Alvogen expands into Bulgaria, with first products scheduled for market intro early-2010

Alvogen, a USA-based generic drug firm, says it has expanded operations in Eastern Europe and has opened an office in Bucharest, Romania. Alvogen Romania will primarily focus on sales and marketing to support several new products scheduled for introduction during 2010. The company also will employ regulatory and pharmacovigilance expertise within the newly formed business.

'We see great opportunities for our business in Eastern Europe, and the creation of Alvogen Romania is integral to our development strategy. Through registration of our own products, portfolio acquisitions and strategic partnerships, we aim to build a strong presence in the market with a targeted product offering,' said Robert Wessman, executive chairman of the firm, who was previously chief executive of Icelandic generics major Actavis, and has acquired a 30% stake in Alvogen.

Alvogen Romania will be led by Laurentiu Scheusan, an expert in the Romanian pharmaceutical market who formerly managed local operations for Actavis. In his role as Managing Director of Alvogen Romania, Scheusan will lead more than 60 new employees who have measurable experience within the local pharmaceutical industry.