Actavis launches Gemcitabine on patent expiry in EU markets

The international generic pharmaceuticals company, Actavis Group, has launched the oncology product Gemcitabine in EU markets, at patent expiry. This launch represents a significant milestone in Actavis’ developing hospital business.

The pharmacuetical drug Gemcitabine is the first major oncology product to be made available by Actavis on the date of patent expiry in Western Europe.

Actavis will be manufacturing the product at two of its manufacturing sites. Coupled with three registered sources for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), this will ensure one of the most robust and competitive supply chains in the industry.

Gemcitabine will be launched in eight EU markets in March, including Germany, France and the UK. The product will be launched in the remaining EU markets as tender cycles permit later in the year. The product has also previously been launched in several less regulated markets around the world.

Speaking about the event, Scott Richards, EVP of Actavis’ Hospital Business, said: “The day one launch of Gemcitabine is a great achievement for Actavis’ hospital business, which was formed just over two years ago. This launch demonstrates our ability to compete in the demanding generic oncology arena. We will be selling this product alongside our growing range of other injectable generic products via our own hospital sales teams around the world and via select partners and distributors in various countries”.

The originator product, Lilly’s Gemzar, is estimated to have generated around US$ 1.5 billion in annual revenue. Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of cancer including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer and breast cancer.