Teva UK launches generic anti-inflammatory therapy

Teva UK has announced the launch of a generic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, celecoxib, which is based on the branded product Celebrex.

The company is among the first suppliers to introduce an off-label version of the therapy, making its product available on the first day after the patent on Celebrex expired. The capsules provide symptomatic relief for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis patients.

In the UK, around ten million people are affected by a form of arthritis, costing the NHS in England around five billion pounds every year in treatment costs.

As such, the launch of generic alternatives represents a beneficial development, as the average cost to the NHS of a generic medicine is around 3.79 pounds, compared to 19.73 pounds for the branded version.

Kim Innes, commercial director at Teva, said: "We're pleased to be among the first to bring a generic version of this medicine to the UK and to be able to help bring the cost of treating these conditions down."

The firm was recently chosen as the UK's generics manufacturer of the year for the 12th time in succession at the annual Pharmacy Business Awards.