Hospira re-launches generic Eloxatin in USA

US injectable drugs and infusion specialist Hospira (NYSE: HSP) last week announced the US re-launch of oxaliplatin injection, its generic version of French drug major Sanofi's (Euronext: SAN) anticancer drug Eloxatin, US sales of which were around $1.5 billion last year.

"We're excited to once again be able to provide this critical oncology drug to our patients and customers," said Joshua Gordon, vice president, Specialty Pharmaceuticals, at Hospira. "Hospira is committed to bringing safe, lower-cost generic versions of important medications to the market as soon as possible, and in this case we're able to do so a year ahead of patent expiration for the originator product, which will contribute to much-needed cost savings for our customers," he added.

Hospira originally launched oxaliplatin injection in August 2009 following a favorable ruling in patent litigation with Sanofi. Hospira settled the litigation with Sanofi in 2010 under an agreement which called for the eventual suspension of Hospira's sales at the end of June 2010, with the right to re-launch the product well in advance of patent expiry.