Content about Pfizer

NEW YORK — The world's top-selling drug may become available over the counter, if its manufacturer has its way, according to published reports.

The New York Times reported that Pfizer may be looking for Food and Drug Administration approval for an OTC switch for Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium), a cholesterol-lowering medication. The Times quoted an unnamed source as providing the information, though Pfizer declined to comment.

SKILLMAN, N.J. — McNeil Consumer on Tuesday announced a partnership with 12-time Olympic medalist, best-selling author and mother Dara Torres, who will serve as a brand ambassador for the external analgesic Bengay.

In that capacity, Torres also assisted in the launch of the brand's latest innovation, Bengay Cold Therapy, which uses the pain-relieving power of menthol and the cooling benefits of Pro-Cool technology to alleviate minor aches and pains.

BALTIMORE — The Food and Drug Administration has approved an additional strength of a generic drug made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure, Lupin said Wednesday.

Lupin announced the approval of amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules in the 5-mg/40-mg and 10-mg/40-mg strengths. The company already markets the drug in the 2.5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/20-mg and 10-mg/20-mg strengths.

NEW YORK — McNeil Consumer Healthcare’s foray into heat patches has proven a success. Tylenol Precise is the No. 2 brand across heat and ice packs, falling in behind Pfizer’s ThermaCare. Within its first year on the shelf, Tylenol Precise has generated $6.1 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended April 17, according to SymphonyIRI Group data across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart). 


The Tylenol Precise patches retail for around $7.99.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication designed to treat acute and chronic moderate to severe pain, where the use of an opioid analgesic is suitable.

Pfizer and Acura Pharmaceuticals said that their drug Oxecta (oxycodone HCl, USP tablets) is the first tamper-resistant medication designed to deter abuse and misuse with Aversion technology, which is being licensed by Pfizer from Acura.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck will collaborate with a Korean manufacturer to develop a biosimilar version of a drug used for autoimmune diseases.

Merck, which operates outside the United States and Canada as MSD to avoid confusion with Germany-based Merck KGaA, announced Monday a collaboration with Seoul, South Korea-based Hanwha Chemical to develop and commercialize HD203, a biosimilar version of Enbrel (etanercept), made by Amgen and Pfizer. The drug is used to treat such disorders as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Global Wellness on Tuesday initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of its Via Extreme ultimate sexual enhancer dietary supplement for men.

The product — a bottle containing six blue-colored capsules per package — was distributed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada to Internet and retail consumers, the company reported.

Global Wellness is recalling only lots 809013 and 806030; the recall does not affect sales and distribution of Slim Extreme Gold and Gelslim, the company stated.

HAYWARD, Calif. — Pfizer has filed suit against generic drug maker Impax Labs in connection with the latter’s attempt to market a generic drug for bladder problems.

Impax said Friday that Pfizer filed a patent infringement suit in the U.S. District Court of the District of New Jersey in connection with Impax’s attempt to market a generic version of Detrol (tolterodine tartrate) immediate-release tablets in the 1-mg and 2-mg strengths. The drug is used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for depression and anxiety made by Mylan, the drug maker said Thursday.

Mylan announced the approval of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in the 37.5-mg, 75-mg and 150-mg strengths.

The drug, used to treat major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder, is a generic version of Effexor XR, made by Wyeth. Mylan is launching the drug under a licensing agreement it made with Wyeth before its purchase by Pfizer.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease made by Actavis, the drug maker said Tuesday.

The FDA approved the company’s donepezil hydrochloride tablets in the 5-mg and 10-mg strengths, a generic version of Eisai and Pfizer’s Aricept. Donepezil hydrochloride tablets in the two strengths had sales of about $2.3 billion during the 12-month period ended in March, according to IMS Health.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic over-the-counter treatment for allergies made by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries.

Taro announced Monday the approval of cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution.

The drug, a generic version of Johnson & Johnson’s children’s Zyrtec, is used to relieve symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies and is available in a sugar-free bubblegum flavor.

SUPPLIER NEWS — The FDA has approved a new treatment for Type 2 diabetes, the agency said. The FDA announced the approval of Tradjenta (linagliptin) made by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim.