Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., announced the launch of a generic version of ALOXI®1 (palonosetron HCI) injection, 0.25 mg/5 mL, in the United States. Palonosetron hydrochloride injection—in a class of medications called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists—is used in adults to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur as a result of receiving cancer chemotherapy with a moderate or high risk of causing nausea and vomiting. It is also given to prevent nausea and vomiting up to 24 hours after surgery.
“The shared-exclusive launch of palonosetron HCI injection marks the eleventh injectable launch over the past year for our generics business,” said Brendan O’Grady, Executive Vice President and head of North America Commercial at Teva. “More importantly, we can now provide an affordable treatment option for cancer patients faced with challenging post-chemotherapy side effects.”
Teva has been committed to strengthening the generic injectable business globally with continued investment in newer, higher-value generic injectable products. With nearly 600 generic medicines available, Teva has the largest portfolio of FDA-approved generic products on the market and holds the leading position in first-to-file opportunities, with over 100 pending first-to-files in the U.S. Currently, one in seven generic prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. is filled with a Teva generic product.
ALOXI® (palonosetron HCI) injection had annual sales of approximately $459 million in the United States, according to IMS data as of November 2017.
About Palonosetron Hydrochloride Injection
Palonosetron hydrochloride injection is indicated in adults for:
• Moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy — prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses.
• Highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy — prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses.
• Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for up to 24 hours following surgery. Efficacy beyond 24 hours has not been demonstrated.
As with other antiemetics, routine prophylaxis is not recommended in patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively. In patients where nausea and vomiting must be avoided during the postoperative period, palonosetron hydrochloride injection is recommended even where the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is low.