Teva UK launches generic Donepezil for Alzheimer’s

Teva UK has announced the introduction of Donepezil film-coated tablets and Donepezil Orodispersible (OD) tablets, two new generic treatment options for Alzheimer's disease.

The new products are off-label versions of Eisai's Aricept and Aricept Evess and have been launched in the UK on the same day as the patents for the branded versions expired.

Indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia, the drugs will be sold under the Teva 360 livery and are available in several quantities.

This represents Teva's third generic Alzheimer's treatment launch in three weeks, following the earlier introduction of Galantamine and Zeebral XL.

Kim Innes, commercial director at Teva, said: "Our focus is on trying to get medicines to pharmacy from day one, because every new product launch continues our support in helping the NHS save over nine billion pounds a year."

Fellow generic drugs specialist Actavis has also introduced off-label versions of Donepezil and orodispersible Donepezil in the last month.