AstraZeneca and Par to suspend distribution of generic version

AstraZeneca has said it, along with its partner Par Pharmaceuticals, is to suspend distribution of the generic version of Pulmicort.

The announcement follows the granting of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the US district court for the district of New Jersey, which said to halt sales of the item, known as Teva’s budesonide inhalation suspension product.

The supply freeze of the goods is to prevent any future sales and requires Teva to send a letter to its customers – along with a copy to the TRO – requesting they comply with the terms of the court order.

Consequentially, AstraZeneca and Par must do the same for clients who purchased the item from them, though the marketing and distribution of branded Pulmicort Repsules will be unaffected.

A hearing on the matter is expected to begin on November 25th, with the full court case due to start on January 12th next year.

AstraZeneca added it continues to expect core earnings per share in the range of $4.90 (3.30 pounds) to $5.05 for the full year of 2008, with actual performance within the range being reliant upon the performance of the business for the remainder of the year and additional developments in the Pulmicort situation.

The company’s sales in 2007 were approximately $29.6 billion, of which an operating profit was $9 billion.