Actavis launches generic Donepezil in UK

Actavis has introduced an off-label version of the Alzheimer's disease treatment Donepezil in the UK as part of a wider European rollout.

The generic medicines specialist has introduced the new tablet-based therapy in eight European markets – including Germany, France, Italy and Spain as well as Britain – following the expiration of the patent on its reference product Aricept.

As with the original Pfizer drug, Donepezil is specified for the treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's, with a generic Actavis version having already been introduced prior to this in several patent-free markets.

IMS Health data shows that European sales of the branded product came to 475.6 million euros (397.3 million pounds) in 2011.

In addition, Actavis is also introducing an oro-dispersible tablet version of Donepezil to the UK and Sweden, following patent expiry.

This follows the launch of generic equivalents of Pfizer's eye drop products Xalatan and Xalacom by Actavis at the end of last month.