Israel’s Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched a generic equivalent of British drugmaker GlaxoSmithkline’s Epzicom (abacavir and lamivudine) 600 mg/300 mg tablets in the US. The drug is prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The drug cocktail is claimed to reduce the amount of HIV-1 and increase the CD4+ (T) cells in patients’ blood and serves to boost the immune system to fight opportunistic infections.  

The ethical form of the tablets had annual sales of around $449 million in the US last year. Analysts said GSK’s sales had been falling due to competition and a maturing market. Teva said the addition of Epzicom to its HIV antiretroviral portfolio allows it to continue to grow in this therapeutic area and at the same time strengthens its commitment to newer, higher-quality generic products.

With nearly 600 generic medicines on the market, the Israeli company claims to have the largest portfolio of FDA-approved generic products.  Teva said it has more than 300 product registrations pending FDA approval and holds the leading position in first-to-file opportunities in the US with over 100 pending.