Content about Federal Trade Commission

Last month, the Supreme Court heard Federal Trade Commission v. Actavis, which could impact the future of the generic drug industry at a time when 80% of all prescriptions dispensed in the United States are generic.

NEW YORK — The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case that could determine the future of generic drugs in America.

The case, Federal Trade Commission v. Actavis, marks the latest attempt by federal authorities to put an end to what they say are deals between branded and generic drug companies that delay release of generic drugs to consumers.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court will hear arguments later this month in a case that could determine the future of many patent settlements between brand and generic drug makers.

The high court will hear arguments in the case, Federal Trade Commission v. Actavis, on March 25. The case was originally titled FTC v. Watson, but has changed since Watson Pharmaceuticals changed its name following its acquisition of Swiss generic drug maker Actavis.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission last week issued a number of warning letters to distributors of "unapproved medicines," noting that because each of the products identified claimed to prevent or treat the cold or flu, they need to be registered and approved by the FDA. And because none of the ingredients listed are in fact monographed OTC cough, cold or flu symptom relievers, those products would additionally need to be filed as "new drugs."

PEAPACK, N.J. — Pfizer's generics division has launched an authorized generic drug for treating epilepsy.

Greenstone announced the introduction of phenytoin tablets in the 50-mg strength, an authorized generic version of Pfizer's Dilantin Infatabs.

Authorized generics are generic drugs marketed under their generic names at a reduced price, often through third-party companies under contract with the original drug's manufacturer.

NEW YORK — The Supreme Court will review settlements between branded and generic drug companies that critics say delay patients' access to cheaper drug treatments, according to published reports.

Politico reported that the justices had agreed to hear three cases, including Federal Trade Commission v. Watson Pharmaceuticals, involving settlements between branded and generic drug companies that critics deride as "pay-for-delay" deals.

MONTREAL — The Federal Trade Commission has approved a deal by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International to buy a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based drug maker.

Valeant said the FRC had finished reviewing its planned acquisition of Medicis Pharmaceutical and allowed the waiting period required under merger and acquisition laws to terminate early.

Valeant said the deal is still subject to conditions like the approval of Medicis' stockholders, who will have a special meeting on Dec. 7. Medicis makes drugs for asthma, fungal infections and skin conditions like acne and eczema.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Watson Pharmaceuticals is changing its name to Actavis following its acquisition of the Swiss drug maker, Watson said.

Watson, whose $5.6 billion acquisition of Actavis received approval from the Federal Trade Commission earlier this month, said it would adopt the new name starting in 2013, with plans to start a multi-year rebranding campaign and trade under a new symbol on the New York Stock Exchange.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – The Federal Trade Commission has voted to approve Watson Pharmaceutical's acquisition of Switzerland-based generic drug maker Actavis.

The unanimous vote in support of the merger follows Watson's agreement to divest a number of marketed and pipeline products to Par Pharmaceutical and Sandoz as a condition to obtaining FTC approval.

RHINELANDER, Wis. — A meeting with federal officials last week indicated that pharmacists' importance in dispensing animal drugs is growing.

Last Tuesday, pharmacists and veterinarians met with officials from the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., for a four-session meeting that affirmed pharmacists' increasing role, according to online pet supply company Drs. Foster and Smith.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals confirmed it received a request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with the drug maker's pending acquisition of Actavis Group.