Novartis expands transplant portfolio with first branded generic tacrolimus

Swiss drug major Novartis has announced the US introduction and availability of Hecoria (tacrolimus) capsules, the first generic tacrolimus that can be prescribed by its brand name. The drug is a copy of now off-patent Prograf from Japanese drugmaker Astellas which, prior to the advent of generics, had annual US sales approaching $1 billion.

Hecoria is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving liver or kidney transplants. Following organ transplantation, patients require lifelong treatment with immunosuppressants. Many transplant patients are faced with complicated post-transplant medication regimens and significant financial burden, noted Novartis. As a branded generic, Hecoria offers an option for health care providers who seek to have their patients receive the same brand of tacrolimus at every prescription refill, at the affordable price of a generic.

Hecoria being manufactured by Sandoz unit