Teva launches Latanoprost eye drops in UK

Teva has announced the UK launch of its generic Latanoprost eye drops, following the expiry of the patent on the branded equivalent from Pfizer.

The new treatment, an off-label version of Pfizer's Xalatan, has been made available on day one of the older therapy's patent expiry and is now part of the award-winning Teva 360 range.

Latanoprost is indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension and represents Teva's first product launch of 2012.

Kim Innes, commercial director at Teva, said patent expiries offer pharmacies with an opportunity to keep costs down and improve their margins, as they offer access to cheaper drugs.

She added: "Even more importantly, we're providing high-quality medicines for patients whilst doing our bit to save the NHS over nine billion pounds a year."

Earlier this month, the company announced that its chief executive officer Shlomo Yanai will be retiring this May, with Dr Jeremy Levin set to succeed him.