20th Feb 2019 08:13
LONDON (Alliance News) - Indivior PLC on Wednesday said its US affiliate launched an authorised generic version of its own opioid addiction drug, Suboxone sublingual film, in the US to address the risks posed by competitors.
The authorised generic is being marketed and distributed on Indivior's behalf by Sandoz Inc.
The FTSE 250 pharmaceutical company said that the business decision behind the launch was based "on the market impact expected from the anticipated launch of a generic sublingual film" by Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Alvogen Pine Brook LLC in the US market.
Indivior has been battling in court with Dr Reddy's to stop the launch of a generic version of its main selling product, but on Tuesday, the US Supreme Court denied the company's motion and injunction against the Indian pharmaceutical company.
As a result of the court's decision, Dr Reddy's and Alvogen are no longer prevented from selling, offering to sell, or importing their generic buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual film products, Indivior explained.
Previously and in repeated occasions, Indivior said it believes that if Dr Reddy's launches its generic product, it will lose up to 80% of its market share "within a matter of months".
Indivior Chief Executive Officer Shaun Thaxter, said: "We are making an authorized generic of our Suboxone Film brand product available to patients and providers immediately, giving them yet another option of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. In addition, we expect this launch will create the opportunity to maximize the value of our Suboxone Film franchise."
Indivior warned that, with the launch of its own generic, other companies have now the possibility of launching other generic versions of Suboxone Film.
Indivior shares were trading up 1.7% at 106.55 pence each.
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