Singapore: Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical and US-based Perrigo have launched generic version of cancer drug Temodar (temozolomide) in US.

Teva will manufacture, market and distribute the product in the U.S. and both companies will equally share in the cost and profitability of the product in the U.S. Teva was first to file, making the product eligible for 180 days of marketing exclusivity.

This product is the generic equivalent to Temodar (temozolomide), indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment and refractory anaplastic astrocytoma patients who have experienced disease progression on a drug regimen containing nitrosourea and procarbazine.

Temodar had annual sales of approximately $423 million in the United States, according to IMS data as of December 31, 2012.

Perrigo's chairman, president and CEO, Mr Joseph C Papa, stated that, "This first-to-file launch with our partner Teva is another example of our focus to manufacture complex API's. We are pleased to offer this important product to patients in the US."