Sandoz launches lansoprazole delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), an authorized generic version of PREVACID® SoluTab
Princeton, New Jersey; October 18, 2010 - Sandoz today announced the introduction of lansoprazole delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets (ODT), an authorized generic equivalent of Prevacid® SoluTab, in the US.
Lansoprazole ODT is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) indicated for the treatment of active duodenal and gastric ulcers, and the common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn and erosive esophagitis. Research suggests that as many as 60 million Americans suffer from GERD.1
Sandoz entered into an agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the innovator of Prevacid® SoluTab for the distribution of an authorized generic version of lansoprazole ODT. The orally disintegrating tablets dissolve quickly and can be taken with or without water, making it easier for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills to take their medication.
"Sandoz US is pleased to launch our authorized generic version of the popular Prevacid® SoluTab," said Don DeGolyer, President of Sandoz Inc. "This launch expands our product line to include all strengths and formulations of prescription Prevacid® and demonstrates Sandoz's commitment to meeting patient needs by providing a convenient, orally disintegrating tablet formulation."
According to IMS Health, US sales for Prevacid® SoluTab were approximately USD 404 million for the 12 months ending July 2010. Sandoz will market lansoprazole in 15mg and 30mg strength delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets, the same strengths marketed for Prevacid® SoluTab. Sandoz also markets lansoprazole delayed-release (DR) capsules, an authorized generic of Prevacid®, in the same strengths.
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "launches," "introduction," "launch," "commitment," "will," or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future revenues from lansoprazole ODT. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
1 The American College of Gastroenterological Society, Understanding GERD. Available from: http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gerd/word.asp.
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cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that lansoprazole ODT will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management's expectations could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally, including potential FDA approval of additional versions of lansoprazole ODT; competition in general; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; unexpected patent litigation outcomes; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Group's assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group's consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Sandoz
Sandoz, a Division of the Novartis group, is a global leader in the field of generic pharmaceuticals, offering a wide array of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. Sandoz has a portfolio of about 1000 compounds and sells its products in more than 130 countries. Key product groups include antibiotics, treatments for central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular treatments and hormone therapies. Sandoz develops, produces and markets these medicines along with pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances and anti-infectives. In addition to strong organic growth in recent years, Sandoz has made a series of acquisitions including Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria) and Oriel Therapeutics (US). In 2009, Sandoz employed around 23,000 people worldwide and posted sales of USD 7.5 billion.
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For further information
Sandoz US Communications:
Ted Deutsch
609 627-5287
Sandoz Global Communications:
Marija Mandic
+49 8024 476 2597
Prevacid® SoluTab is a registered trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc