Actavis launches Zoledronic Acid following patent expiry

Actavis has announced the introduction of a generic Zoledronic Acid product in 14 European markets, including the UK.

The drug is the off-label equivalent of the branded product Zometa from Novartis and is indicated for the prevention of skeletal-related events in adult patients with advanced malignancies involving bone, or for those affected by tumour-induced hypercalcaemia.

Actavis' version of the therapy has been introduced immediately following the patent expiry of Zometa in Germany, Spain, Sweden, Romania, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, Poland and Slovakia.

Zometa is estimated by IMS Health to have generated European sales revenues of 269.5 million euros (229.16 million pounds) for Novartis last year.

This comes after Actavis announced last month that it has agreed a major new deal to acquire fellow healthcare company Warner Chilcott, thereby creating one of the world's largest specialty pharmaceutical businesses.

Through this takeover, Actavis will be able to greatly expand its portfolio, particularly in the area of women's health.