GlaxoSmithKline faces generic smoking competition

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given generic drug maker Perrigo Company the right to market GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) anti-smoking treatment Commit.

The nicotine polarcrilex lozenges are available over the counter in the US and in 2005 they brought GSK sales of around $100 million.

The generic version will be marketed under different shops’ own brand labels and the first shipments are expected within 30 days.

Under US rules the firm will have 180 days of generic market exclusivity.

In the UK Perrigo has bases in Devon and Derbyshire, after acquiring Wrafton Laboratories and Peter Black Pharmaceuticals, and has recently been given UK marketing authorisation for the hair regrowth treatment minoxidil.

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