Actavis launches Docetaxel single vial on patent expiry in major European markets

Actavis launches Docetaxel single vial on patent expiry in major European markets

 


Reykjavik, Iceland, 29 November 2010 - Actavis Group, the international generic pharmaceuticals company, today announced the launch of a Docetaxel single vial, immediately after the patent expired in major European markets.
 
The cancer drug was launched by Actavis under its own brand in Germany, the Netherlands, UK and Sweden, as well as by Medis - the company's sales division to third-party clients - in the UK and Germany.
 
Actavis has also launched the Docetaxel single vial in Ireland, Finland, Portugal and Austria which were patent-free. The product will be launched across Europe - patents permitting - during 2010 and 2011.
 
Furthermore, Actavis has launched a Docetaxel twin vial in Romania, the Ukraine and in the Balkans.
 
Docetaxel is used to treat a range of different cancers including advanced breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer. The Docetaxel single vial is produced by Actavis in 20mg, 80mg and 140mg vial sizes. Docetaxel Actavis is the generic equivalent of the Taxotere® brand product from Sanofi Aventis.
 
The brand product, Taxotere® had sales across 29 countries in Europe of approximately EUR800 million for the 12 months ending 30 June 2010, according to IMS Health
 
The Docetaxel single vial is manufactured by Actavis in Romania.
 
Jonathan Ody, Vice President, Actavis Hospital business Unit:
"Actavis is delighted to be able to bring to the market a high quality single vial formulation of Docetaxel, the largest oncology product ever to go off patent in Europe, and we are launching it the day after patent expiry. Actavis also brings to market the unique 140mg vial size which is designed to be more convenient and reduce wastage."
 
Enquiries
Actavis Group
Hjordis Arnadottir
Director - External Communications
Tel: (+354) 840 7476
E-mail: [email protected]
 
 
About Actavis Group
Actavis is one of the world's leading generic pharmaceutical companies specializing in the development, manufacture and sale of generic pharmaceuticals.  The company has operations in 40 countries, with 10,000 employees. For further information on Actavis Group, please visit www.actavis.com.
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to Actavis' estimated or anticipated future results or future activities are forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current analysis of existing trends, information and plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effect of regulatory actions, the success of new products, the strength of competition, the success of research and development issues, unexpected contract breaches or terminations, exposure to product liability and other lawsuits, the effect of currency fluctuations and other factors.