Sandoz launches authorized generic version of Vivelle-Dot® [1]
Princeton, New Jersey, December 22, 2014 – Sandoz today announced the US market introduction of estradiol transdermal system, an authorized generic version of Vivelle-Dot®, which is marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Estradiol transdermal system is indicated for treatment of certain menopausal symptoms and for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
“We are pleased to partner with our colleagues at NPC to further expand our offering of affordable, high-quality medicines,” said Peter Goldschmidt, President of Sandoz Inc.
According to IMS Health, US sales for estradiol transdermal system were USD 263 million for the 12 months ending in September 2014.
Sandoz will market the product in .025mg / day, .0375mg / day, .05mg / day, .075mg / day, and .1mg / day, of estradiol, the same strengths marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogen-Alone Therapy
Endometrial Cancer
There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestin to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated, should be undertaken to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding.
Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia
Estrogen-alone therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625mg]-alone, relative to placebo.
The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women.
In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of CE and other dosage forms of estrogens.
Estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy
Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia
Estrogen plus progestin therapy should not be used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5mg], relative to placebo.The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625mg) combined with MPA (2.5mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women.
Breast Cancer
The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy also demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer. In the absence of comparable data, these risks should be assumed to be similar for other doses of CE plus MPA, and other combinations and dosage forms of estrogens and progestins. Estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman.
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as “launches,” “introduction,” “launch,” “will,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future product approvals, or regarding potential revenues from estradiol transdermal system or any potential future products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that any potential new products will receive regulatory approval in the future, or that estradiol transdermal system or any such potential new products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; competition in general, including potential approval of additional versions of estradiol transdermal system; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; unexpected patent litigation outcomes; unexpected manufacturing issues; general economic and industry conditions, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Sandoz
Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the generic pharmaceutical sector. Sandoz employs over 26,500 employees across more than 160 countries, offering a broad range of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With USD 9.2 billion in sales in 2013, Sandoz has a portfolio of approximately 1,100 molecules, and holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars as well as in generic injectables, ophthalmics, dermatology and antibiotics, complemented by leading positions in the cardiovascular, metabolism, central nervous system, pain, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and hormonal therapeutic areas. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines, as well as active pharmaceutical and biotechnological substances. Nearly half of Sandoz's portfolio is in differentiated products, which are defined as products that are more difficult to scientifically develop and manufacture than standard generics. In addition to strong organic growth since consolidating its generics businesses under the Sandoz brand name in 2003, Sandoz has benefitted from strong growth of its acquisitions, which include Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US).
For further information:
Sandoz US Communications
Leslie Pott
+1 609 627 5287
[email protected] [2]
Sandoz Global Communications
Neil Moorhouse
+49 8024 476 2597
[email protected] [3]
Footnotes:
1 For full safety information, including BOXED WARNING, please see the estradiol transdermal system prescribing information, available in the Product Catalog at www.us.sandoz.com. [4]
2 Vivelle-Dot® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.