Actavis launches Latanoprost eye drops across Europe

Actavis has announced the launch of a generic version of Latanoprost eye drops in a number of important European territories.

Following the expiration of the patent on its branded equivalent – the Pfizer-manufactured product Xalatan – Actavis has introduced its own version in nations such as the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Simultaneously, the company has also released Latanoprost/Timolol eye drops – which are based on the related Pfizer product Xalacom – in Denmark, Finland and Ireland, with further launches planned later this year.

Both drugs are designed for the treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, with European Xalatan sales coming to 335 million euros (278.65 million pounds) last year, while Xalacom generated 112 million euros.

Actavis joins fellow generic medicines specialist Teva in launching a generic version of Xalatan in the UK, with the exclusive licence for the original Pfizer drug having expired last month.