Teva launches generic almotriptan in UK

Teva has introduced generic almotriptan film-coated tablets in the UK following the patent expiry of the original branded product.

Based on the Almirall product Almogran, the new drug is indicated for the acute treatment of the headache phase of migraine attacks with or without aura.

It is estimated that 190,000 migraine attacks take place every day in the UK, with more people suffering from migraine than people with diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined, according to figures from the Migraine Trust.

As such, the affordable nature of Teva's product is expected to deliver substantial cost efficiencies to the NHS, allowing this money to be used to pay for other, more expensive treatments and services.

Kim Innes, commercial director at Teva, said: "Bringing our generic version of medicine to market on the first available day following expiry of the patent on the branded medicine enables the potential savings to the NHS to be realised immediately."

The tablets were released towards the end of last month and followed the introduction of generic versions of celecoxib and levetiracetam in November.