Mylan launches generic rival to antifungal drug

Netherlands-incorporated drugmaker Mylan has launched caspofungin acetate for injection, one of the first generic versions of US pharma giant Merck's & Co’s Cancidas.

Caspofungin acetate for injection had US sales of approximately $24 million for the 12 months ending July 31, 2017, according to QuintilesIMS. It is indicated in adults and children as an empirical therapy for presumed fungal infections in febrile, neutropenic patients, to treat candidemia, intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis and pleural space infections, along with esophageal candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other therapies.