Teva launches generic version of Renvela in the UK

Teva has announced the UK launch of a generic version of sevelamer carbonate, based on Sanofi's branded product Renvela.

The tablet-based therapy is used to control phosphorous levels in adult patients undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease and will be made available by Teva with immediate effect.

Generic versions of key branded medicines are important to NHS sustainability, as the average cost to the NHS of a generic medicine is just under four pounds, instead of the nearly 20 pounds that the health service would have to pay for a branded equivalent.

It is thought that these off-label medicines help the NHS to save as much as ten billion pounds a year.

Paul Burden, director for generic medicines 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."

This comes after the firm launched generic versions of aripiprazole and memantine oral solution last month.