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BY OUR PHARMA CORRESPONDENT
31 August, 2005: Hospira has announced it has shipped the first orders of its generic ceftriaxone for injection. The product is a generic version of Roche Pharmaceuticals' antibiotic, Rocephin, which has sales worth over US$650 million.
Hospira said it was offering generic versions of the drug in a wide array of delivery options. Hospira currently has over 130 generic injectable products in over 600 dosages and formulations.
Ceftriaxone is indicated for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in the lung, skin, abdomen, genitourinary tract, ear, blood, central nervous system, bone and joint. It is also indicated for surgical prophylaxis. The drug is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. It should be given cautiously to penicillin-sensitive patients.
Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. Adverse events may include local reactions, hypersensitivity, diarrhea, elevation of liver function tests, eosinophilia, thrombocytosis and leukopenia.
Hospira is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of specialty injectable pharmaceuticals and medication delivery systems that deliver drugs and intravenous (IV) fluids. The company is also a provider of contract manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for formulation development, filling and finishing of injectable pharmaceuticals. The company’s broad portfolio of products is used by hospitals, alternate site clinics, home healthcare providers and long-term care facilities.
As the leading manufacturer of specialty injectable pharmaceuticals within the United States, Hospira offers more than 130 generic injectable products in more than 600 dosages and formulations. Product areas include cardiovascular, anesthesia, anti-infectives, analgesics, emergency and other therapeutic segments.
Specialty injectables are likely to continue to be a large growth opportunity for Hospira, as more than $5 billion worth of proprietary, non-biologic drugs will face patent expiration in the United States by 2010. Currently, the company has more than 30 generic products in development.
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., north of Chicago, Hospira has approximately 13,000 employees and 14 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
BY OUR PHARMA CORRESPONDENT
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