Japanese Drug Makers Switch To Reliance On Generics Sales
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Several Japanese drug makers see greater opportunities in the generics market this year as major drugs begin losing patent protections. Some of the expirations are faced by Japanese makers themselves, including Daiichi Sankyo's bacteria fighter Cravit (levofloxacin) and Otsuka Pharmaceutical's ulcer treatment Mucosta (rebamipide). They, and AstraZeneca KK's cancer drug Casodex (bicalutamide) also losing its patent protection, boasted annual sales in the $500 million range. Sawai Pharmaceutical is set to take advantage of the expirations and a government emphasis on prescribing generics, with 34 generics set to be launched by the end of May. Towa Pharmaceutical plans 14 and Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical 26. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required