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HYDERABAD, India — Drug maker Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic antibiotic drug, the company said Thursday.

The India-based company announced the launch of amoxicillin tablets, capsules and oral suspension. The tablets are being launched in the 500-mg and 875-mg strengths, while the capsules are in the 250-mg and 500-mg strengths, and the oral suspension is in the 125-mg-, 200-mg-, 250-mg- and 400-mg-per-5-mL strengths.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Schiff is in the process of launching its latest Move Free joint supplement — Move Free One — which combines hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin with krill oil, the source of omega-3 for its Mega Red brand.

For branded drug makers, the pharmaceutical patent cliff has never loomed higher or steeper. The exposure of so many of the world’s biggest-selling medicines to generic competition for the first time is redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of pharmaceuticals — reducing costs for health plans, payers and patients; scrambling drug makers’ balance sheets; and potentially boosting both drug utilization and adherence rates as reduced out-of-pocket costs induce more patients to fill their prescriptions.


CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has delivered its 5 billionth liter of clean drinking water through its charitable program.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The specialty pharmacy operated by Omnicare Specialty Care Group has been added to the limited distribution network for a drug used to treat a hereditary degenerative disorder.

Omnicare said Friday that Lundbeck had added Advanced Care Scripts to its network for Xenaziner (tetrabenazine). The drug is used to treat involuntary movements known as chorea associated with Huntington's disease. Chroea affects about 90% of people with Huntington's and is considered a hallmark of the disease, according to studies.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Most advertisements for over-the-counter versions of drugs did contain significantly less information about the risks of the medication, compared with the ads for the drug prior to its transition to OTC status, according to new research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

The research, published in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, identified differences between consumer-directed advertisements for drugs when they are available by prescription only, compared with when they transition to OTC.

SHELTON, Conn. — Energizer said the new packaging for the brand's coin lithium batteries meets the strict guidelines set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission for child-resistant packaging.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — While regulations meant to control the prices of drugs dispensed through physician offices for injured workers can keep costs down without limiting access, employers in many states may end up paying more than twice what they would have if the workers had gone to a pharmacy instead, according to a new study.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has announced that it is offering $25 flu shots at more than 1,900 Kroger pharmacy locations nationwide and at The Little Clinic locations inside select stores.

Flu shots are available for ages 2 years and older and high-dose flu shots are available for patients ages 65 years and older.

Certified pharmacists, The Little Clinic nurse practitioners or physician assistants administer all flu shots. Kroger pharmacies accept most insurance plans including Medicare.

RARITAN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for an opioid analgesic to treat diabetes-related pain.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of a diabetes drug made by Takeda, the agency said Friday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Indian drug maker Wockhardt has received tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration for a generic version of a Pfizer psychiatric drug.

Wockhardt announced the tentative approval for ziprasidone hydrochloride in the 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg strengths, used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and the company plans to launch the drug on Sept. 2, 2012.