Mylan debuts generic Epivir in Europe; gets Canadian OK for Tracleer copy

US generic drugs major Mylan (Nasdaq: MYL) says that its UK and Italy-based subsidiaries have launched lamivudine film coated tablets, 150mg and 300mg, a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's (LSE: GSK) Epivir, which is indicated as part of antiretroviral (ARV) combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-infected adults and children. This is the first generic HIV treatment to be available from Mylan in Europe.

Mylan chief executive Heather Bresch commented: "As one of the world's leading providers of affordable ARVs, Mylan has a long history of contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS across the developing world. We are excited that we can now bring our passion and experience in this important area to the European markets with the launch of Lamivudine, further delivering on our commitment to providing high quality and affordable medicines to patients around the world."

Lamivudine tablets had sales of around 3.4 million euros ($4.2 million) in the UK and sales of about 12.5 million euros in Italy for the 12 months ending March 31, 2012, according to IMS Health quoted by Mylan.