Actavis and ASKA to form Japanese generics JV

Troubled Icelandic generics firm Actavis and Japanese drugmaker ASKA Pharmaceutical are to form a joint-venture company with the intention of increasing Japanese copy-drug market share. The JV is to be called Actavis ASKA and will enter the regional sector in April of next year. ASKA will own 55% of the new firm and Actavis 45%. The Japanese government is hoping to expand the generic sector of the domestic pharmaceutical market to 30%, by volume, in 2012.