Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories buys Habitrol brand from Novartis

The acquisition of the over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy transdermal patch was completed last month following issuance of the proposed consent order from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Novartis had agreed to divest Habitrol, its private label nicotine replacement therapy transdermal patch business in the US, to create a consumer healthcare joint venture by combining its over-the-counter Consumer Healthcare business with GlaxoSmithKline’s Consumer Healthcare business.

The Hyderabad-based DRL had earlier signed an asset purchase agreement with Novartis to buy the title and rights of Habitrol brand and to market the product in the US market.

With the completion, the company has assumed responsibility for the product and will shortly start shipments of the product in the US market.

Habitrol has earlier generated more than $58m from the sale in the US, Business Standard reported citing media reports.