Mylan launches multiple sclerosis drug in US

Natco Pharma's marketing partner Mylan has launched generic Glatiramer Acetate injection, used in treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), in the US market.
In a BSE filing Natco Pharma said :"Mylan NV has launched in the US market Glatiramer Acetate injection in both 20 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml versions".
Yesterday, Natco Pharma informed BSE that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval to Mylan's Glatiramer Acetate injection.
The launched products are substitutable generic version of Teva's Copaxone and shipments to customers have commenced, it added.
Natco Pharma said Copaxone is the most prescribed MS treatment for relapsing forms in the US with brand sales for the 20 mg/ml dose at approximately USD 700 million and for the 40 mg/ml dose at nearly USD 3.64 billion for the 12 months to July 31, according to IMS.

Close to 4,00,000 individuals in the US have MS, and relapsing MS accounts for 85 per cent of initial diagnoses, it added.
Shares of Natco Pharma were trading 4.47 per cent higher at Rs 997 per scrip on BSE.