Theravance reintroduces Vibativ in USA

US drug developer Theravance (Nasdaq: THRX) says it has commenced shipments of Vibativ (telavancin) into the US wholesaler channel. The drug is approved for the treatment of adult patients with hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) caused by susceptible isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.

Marketing partner Japan’s Astellas (TYO: 4503) revealed in 2011 that manufacturing problems were causing shortages of supply, although the producer providing the product was not named, although it was later identified as Ben Venue Laboratories, which was temporarily suspending manufacturing and distribution of drug products made at its Ohio facility.

"I am very pleased that Theravance has successfully reestablished reliable product supply and brought Vibativ back to the US market. Vibativ is an important treatment option for physicians and patients dealing with serious MRSA infections," said Rick Winningham, chief executive, adding: "Theravance intends to provide a level of medical support with this product reintroduction to enable physicians to properly use Vibativ while we continue to evaluate commercialization alternatives in the USA."