Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
(
RDY
) recently announced the launch of its generic version of
AstraZeneca
's (
AZN
) hypertension drug Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate extended
release) tablets in the US.
The company had received approval for its Abbreviated New Drug
Application (ANDA) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
in August 2012.
Subsequently, Dr. Reddy's launched its generic version of Toprol
XL tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg) in the US on September
11, 2012.
Toprol XL is marketed for the treatment of hypertension, angina
pectoris, heart failure and disturbances caused by cardiac rhythm,
maintenance treatment following myocardial infarction and migraine
prophylaxis.
According to IMS Health, US branded and generic sales of Toprol
XL were approximately $1.13 billion for the twelve months ended
June 30, 2012.
Currently,
Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc.
(
PRX
) markets the authorized generic version of AstraZeneca's Toprol XL
in the US. Apart from this, generic versions of Toprol XL are also
marketed by
Mylan Inc.
(
MYL
) and
Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(
WPI
).
We note Dr. Reddy's has had quite a few generic launches this
year. In August 2012, it launched its generic version of
Merck & Co.
's (
MRK
) blockbuster asthma and allergy drug Singulair (montelukast) --
tablets (10 mg) and chewable tablets (4 mg & 5 mg). Singulair
lost patent exclusivity in the US in August 2012.
Dr. Reddy's also launched a generic version of
Pfizer Inc.
's (
PFE
) blockbuster cholesterol drug, Lipitor. Other recent launches
include Dr. Reddy's generic version of
Roche Holdings Ltd.
's (
RHHBY
) Boniva,
GlaxoSmithKline
's (
GSK
) Requip and
Novartis AG
's (
NVS
) over-the-counter (OTC) drug, Prevacid.
Currently, we have a Neutral recommendation on Dr. Reddy's. The
stock carries a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating).
ASTRAZENECA PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis
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GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK): Free Stock Analysis
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MERCK & CO INC (MRK): Free Stock Analysis
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MYLAN INC (MYL): Free Stock Analysis Report
NOVARTIS AG-ADR (NVS): Free Stock Analysis
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PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
PAR PHARMA COS (PRX): Free Stock Analysis
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DOCTOR REDDYS (RDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
(RHHBY): ETF Research Reports
WATSON PHARMA (WPI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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