Content about GlaxoSmithKline

PHILADELPHIA The Food and Drug Administration did not completely withdraw from the market a drug used to treat a dangerous low blood pressure condition, but merely proposed to do so as a “step in the regulatory process,” according to a document posted on the agency’s website Monday.

The agency said its proposal last month to withdraw approval for Shire’s drug ProAmatine (midodrine) did not represent the actual withdrawal of the drug from the market, while calling for more data on the drug to verify its clinical benefit.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. Hi-Tech Pharmacal had $40.4 million in sales during its fiscal first quarter ended July 31, the generic drug maker said Thursday. The numbers amounted to a decrease of $3 million from the same period in 2009.

PITTSBURGH GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare on Tuesday named Stacy Wallace to the newly created role of VP customer marketing and 360° Insights.

Under Wallace’s direction, the customer marketing and 360° Insights team will continue the development and execution of category visions and strategies in the area of health and wellness and in the creation of insight-led innovative and fully evaluated shopper marketing programs, the company stated.

INDIANAPOLIS Chip Ganassi Racing on Wednesday announced that GlaxoSmithKline’s Breathe Right brand will be placed on the nose of the team’s Target Indy car this weekend during the Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 Chicagoland Speedway races.

Additionally, on Aug. 28, race fans will have the opportunity to meet two-time and reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, driver of the Target Indy car, on-site at the Breathe Right Advanced tent where free product samples will be made available.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic injected drug made by Sagent Pharmaceuticals for treating migraine attacks, Sagent said Monday.

The FDA approved Sagent’s sumatriptan succinate injection in the 6 mg per 0.5 milliliter strength. The drug is used to treat acute migraine attacks and cluster headache episodes.

Sumatriptan is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Imitrex. Injectable sumatriptan had $22 million in sales in 2009, according to IMS Health.

DETROIT Generic drug maker Caraco Pharmaceutical Labs has launched a generic antidepressant, Caraco said Wednesday.

The drug maker announced the launch of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the 150 mg and 200 mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Wellbutrin SR. Various versions of the drug have annual sales of $300 million, according to Caraco.

SILVER SPRING, Md. Some stolen inhalers for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have turned up in pharmacies, the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.

Two lots of GlaxoSmithKline’s Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) were stolen from a warehouse near Richmond, Va., last August, with lot numbers 9ZP2255 – NDC 0173-0696-00 and 9ZP3325 – NDC 0173-0697-00. The inhalers recently found were the first from the stolen lots to turn up in commerce, the FDA said.

PITTSBURGH The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic arthritis treatment made by Mylan, the drug maker said Wednesday.

The FDA approved nabumetone tablets, a treatment for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in the 500 mg and 750-mg strengths.