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HYDERABAD, India — Generic drug maker Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a drug used to treat certain cancers, the company said Tuesday.

Dr. Reddy's announced the launch of injectable zoledronic acid in the 4-mg-per-5-mL strength. The launch followed the Food and Drug Administration's approval of the drug.

The drug is a generic version of Novartis' Zometa. The drug is used to treat cancers that have spread to the bones and multiple myeloma.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the strength of the drug. The story has been corrected.

FORT WORTH, Texas — A topical medication made by Galderma Labs for treating melasma of the face is now available in pharmacies, Galderma said.

Tri-Luma (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%), tretinoin 0.05%) is described as the only Food and Drug Administration-approved triple combination topical product for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma. The chronic skin condition affects more than 7 million people in the United States.

NEW YORK — Canada's provincial and territorial governments have reached a deal that they said would save money on drugs, but that generic drug makers said had left them "disappointed."

NEW YORK — In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved 39 new drugs, 8 alone in December, marking the largest increase in 16 years. The wave of approvals poises pharmaceutical makers to see big gains after billions in losses in recent years to generic drug makers because of patent expirations.

PHILADELPHIA — Drug maker Shire is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for a new usage for a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the company said Wednesday.

Shire announced that the FDA had accepted its regulatory approval application for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) capsules for maintenance treatment of ADHD in patients ages 6 to 17 years. There currently are no stimulants approved for maintenance treatment of the condition in that age group, Shire said, and the FDA said it would complete its review by April 2013.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that it has submitted a statement to the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, detailing chain pharmacy’s engagement in the prevention of prescription drug abuse, and its commitment to maintaining patients’ ready access to medications vital for pain management and for treatment regimens.

NACDS submitted its statement for the Caucus’ hearing on “Responding to the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic.”

While the picture of a new Rx-to-OTC switch paradigm is being painted with a broad stroke brush, already there are two divergent pathways emerging around what that new paradigm landscape might look like. 


OTC manufacturers have been framing the new paradigm within the existing two-drug-class system, suggesting that the diagnostic tools that already are available in the marketplace significantly could help expand which medicines are considered appropriate in the OTC space.


Retail pharmacists, on the other hand, are advocating for the creation of a third class of drugs.


SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Government authorities are working to educate independent pharmacy owners on prescription drug abuse, an independent pharmacy network said.

In an event sponsored by American Associated Pharmacies in San Diego, Drug Enforcement Administration deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Diversion Control Joseph Rannazzisi discussed topics related to prescription drug abuse. Rannazzisi explained how drug abusers divert prescription drugs through doctor shopping, forged prescriptions, theft and the Internet.

NEW YORK — Despite predictions that consumers in recessionary times would flock to cheaper over-the-counter drugs, the world's over-the-counter drug market grew just 3.5% in the past three years, according a report released by Kalorama Information.

WASHINGTON — An organization that promotes efforts to stop prescription drug abuse announced Tuesday the release of a mobile app that directs users to places where they can safely get rid of unwanted and unused medications.

The American Medicine Chest Challenge said the AMCC Rx Drop app, sponsored by the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, links to the AMCC's directory of local, county and state law enforcement-sponsored permanent collection sites around the country. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant-Carlisle will work with the Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor several medication take-back events next month, the company said.

The chain, owned by Netherlands-based Royal Ahold and officially known as Giant Food Stores, will work with the DEA and local law enforcement agencies as part of the national drug take-back initiative on April 28, collecting unwanted medications at several of its stores.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — One of the long-term goals of many drug companies has been to win Food and Drug Administration approval for cholesterol-lowering statins as over-the-counter drugs. But it's a goal that has long eluded them due to the agency's concerns about patient safety.

(THE NEWS: FDA mulls making some prescription drugs available over the counter. For the full story, click here.)