Generic Drug Update

December 2019 Generic Drug Update
Released: 12/31/2019   By: Heidi Dufrene, PharmD

Launch of Generic Travatan Z

A generic is now available for the ophthalmic drug Travatan Z (travoprost). Travatan is FDA approved for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.  Travoprost is available in 2.5ml and 5ml bottles.

 

First Time Generic Approvals

The FDA approved several first-time generic medications in late 2019. Below are some of the drugs that received first time generic approvals this quarter.

  • Eliquis – The FDA approved two applications for generic Eliquis.  Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant approved to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Eliquis is also used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT or PE following initial therapy. Eliquis is also used postoperatively in patients following hip or knee replacement surgery to prevent DVT or PE. The approved applications were from Micro Labs Limited and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. The release dates of the generic formulations are currently unknown.

 

  • Latuda – The FDA approved an application from Lupin Pharmaceuticals for generic Latuda. Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved to treat bipolar depression and schizophrenia. The release date of the generic formulation is currently unknown.

 

  • Viibryd – Teva Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for their application for generic Viibryd (vilazodone). Viibryd is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The release date of the generic formulations is currently unknown.

 

“First generics” are the first approval by the FDA for a drug manufacturer to market a generic medication. It is important to note that a first generic approval does not indicate that the generic formulation will be available on or soon after the approval date. The actual market release of the generic drug product may be much farther in the future. As always, Carlisle Medical will monitor and make further announcements when the generic medications are available on the market.