Abbott Laboratories anaesthetic launched in China by Baxter

Baxter International, parent company of Baxter HealthCare, is to launch a generic version of Abbott Laboratories’ inhaled anaesthetic in China.

Baxter also announced it would be selling sevoflurane, the equivalent of Abbott’s Ultane, in Japan and the US in 2006, and later in some European markets once regulatory approval is given.

Daniel Tasse, general manager of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Oncology, part of Baxter’s Medication Delivery business, explained the companies position.

He said: “With the addition of sevoflurane, Baxter now provides the broadest portfolio of inhaled anaesthetics to its customers worldwide.

“We will leverage our strong customer relationships and channels, along with investments we’ve made in sales and marketing, to successfully launch sevoflurane.”

Sevoflurane and other inhaled anaesthetic agents are administered to patients through vaporizer machines.

Baxter’s sevoflurane is compatible with the same vaporisers as Abbott’s branded product.

In addition, to assure a smooth transition to the generic product, Baxter is to offer customers access to vaporisers as part of the company’s vaporiser placement scheme.

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