Sandoz has launched tacrolimus capsules, a generic equivalent of Prograf, in the US. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive treatment to help prevent rejection of a kidney or liver transplant.
According to IMS Health, Prograf had US sales of $929m for the 12 months through April 2009. Sandoz will market tacrolimus in capsules of 0.5, 1 and 5mg strengths.
Jeff George, CEO of Sandoz, said: Tacrolimus is an important new product for Sandoz, further strengthening our diverse portfolio of affordable medicines in the key US market.
Sandoz is excited to offer this new high-quality, affordable treatment option to transplant patients. Sandoz and our parent company Novartis have deep experience in the transplant field and we are deeply committed to providing more cost-saving treatment options for this community in the future, he added.