Perrigo Launches Two New Generics

Allegan-based Perrigo Co. (Nasdaq: PRGO) Monday announced the launch of two new generic drugs -- Naproxen Sodium Soft Gels, equivalent of Bayer's analgesic Aleve, and levocetirizine tablets, a generic version of Xyzal allergy tablets from UCB/Sepracor, which is marketed in the U.S. by Sanofi-Aventis.

Sales of Aleve Liquid Gels, an over-the-counter analgesic, were about $80 million last year, as measured by Information Resources Inc. Perrigo believes it is the first to market a store brand version of this product.

The approval for generic Xyzal, meanwhile, came from the United States Food and Drug Administration to Perrigo licensor and supplier Synthon, of Research Triangle Park, N.C. Perrigo has the exclusive rights from Synthon to sell and distribute the product in the U.S. Synthon is the only approved generic product indicated for both allergy and hives. Product shipments commenced immediately upon FDA approval.

Xyzal, indicated for the treatment of indoor and outdoor allergies, had sales for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30 of $224 million, according to Wolters Kluwer Health. That's up 12 percent over the previous 12 month period.

"This is a terrific example of Perrigo leveraging its strong partnerships in bringing new products to market," siad Perrigo chairman and CEO Joseph C. Papa.

Perrigo develops, manufactures and distributes over-the-counter and generic prescription pharmaceuticals, infant formulas, nutritional products, active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical and medical diagnostic products. Perrigo is the world's largest store brand manufacturer of OTC pharmaceutical products and infant formulas. The company's primary markets and locations of manufacturing and logistics operations are the U.S., Israel, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Australia.

More at www.perrigo.com.

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