Teva starred in price-fixing scheme, but 19 other companies 'willingly' joined, attorneys general claim

ERIC SAGONOWSKY | May 13, 2019 | 321 views

In what could be "the largest cartel case in the history of the United States," as Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it, 44 states sued 20 generics makers on Friday for price fixing and personally named 15 of those companies' executives.

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ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing precision therapies for patients with rare cancers. ARIAD is working on new medicines to advance the treatment of rare forms of chronic and acute leukemia, lung cancer and other rare cancers.

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How long will the world wait for the next pandemic of antimicrobial resistance before we act?

Article | October 6, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an increasingly serious global health problem in recent years. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant infections, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. How does antimicrobial resistance emerge? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. It makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease, severe illness, and death. When we use antibiotics, some bacteria die, but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply. The overuse of antibiotics and substandard antibiotics make resistant bacteria more common. So, the more we use antibiotics, the more chances bacteria have to become resistant to them. The rise in AMR is caused by multiple factors including the misuse and overuse of antibiotics by humans as well as in livestock and agriculture. Although these are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens, the emergence of substandard and falsified antibiotics is another lesser-known, huge contributory factor. Even though AMR is a leading cause of death around the world, it is tracked most closely in clinical high-income settings and developed countries. Unfortunately, this is not the case in low and middle-income countries, where the highest burden is in low-resource settings and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries are disproportionately affected, in part due to the high burden of communicable diseases. Consequences to human health of AMR AMR poses significant risks to human health, resulting in prolonged and more severe infections, extended hospitalizations, and increased healthcare expenses. It can also lead to an increased risk of death, as an infection may become untreatable. Additionally, it can reduce the effectiveness of medicines and treatments, making it more difficult to manage existing medical conditions. It is even more concerning that it can lead to the emergence of new, more dangerous strains of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. This would mean medical procedures, such as surgery, including caesarean sections or hip replacements, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will become riskier. Counterfeit medicines and antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most counterfeited medicines in the world, as they account for 28% of global counterfeit medicines. Substandard and falsified antibiotics are medicines that do not meet the quality standards set by regulatory authorities. Counterfeit antibiotics are estimated at 5% of the global antibiotic market. These medicines are often of inferior quality or contain incorrect ingredients or incorrect amounts of active ingredients. They may also contain toxic contaminants or be expired, posing serious consequences for patients. Sadly, counterfeit antibiotics are mostly found in LMICs due to a lack of regulation and enforcement, as well as a lack of access to quality healthcare. In many of these countries, the demand for antibiotics is higher than the supply, and counterfeit antibiotics are seen as a cheaper and more accessible alternative. Furthermore, there is a lack of awareness around the dangers of taking counterfeit antibiotics, and there is a lack of resources for health authorities to test for the authenticity of these medicines. Why are antibiotics so rife for counterfeit drugs? Counterfeiters of pharmaceuticals succeed in large part by exploiting weaknesses in supply chains, which are often fragmented with poor regulatory frameworks. Antibiotics are often counterfeited because they are in high demand and can be sold for a large profit. To combat the problem of substandard and falsified antibiotics, governments must take a multi-pronged approach. This should encompass enacting laws and regulations to ensure the quality and safety of medicines, conducting surveillance for detecting and removing substandard and falsified products from the market, as well as providing training and education to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the responsible use of antibiotics. In addition, governments must work to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain. This includes increasing the transparency of the supply chain, improving the quality control systems, and introducing traceability systems to track the movement of medicines from the manufacturer to the patient. Medical investment in low and middle-income countries Another neglected aspect by international NGOs and governments is investment in building local laboratory capacity in LMICs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Localized laboratory facilities can help identify, track, and prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant infections, as well as provide early warnings of emerging drug-resistant strains. Localized microbiology, surveillance, and quality control laboratories can also play an important role in developing new treatments and interventions for combating antimicrobial resistance. In addition, having localized laboratory capacity can provide more accurate standardized data on the prevalence of drug-resistant infections, which can help inform policy decisions and public health interventions. Affordable medicines Finally, governments must work to increase access to high-quality, affordable medicines. This includes improving the availability of generic medicines, which are typically cheaper alternatives to brand-name drugs. They also need to increase access to newer, more effective antibiotics.

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Pharma Tech

Driving Down Drug Costs: How Real-Time Transparency in PBMs Can Make a Difference

Article | September 29, 2022

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, transparency in pharmacy benefit management (PBM) has emerged as a critical issue. The discussion surrounding driving down prescription drug costs and increasing access to affordable medications has brought attention to the practices of PBMs. However, achieving true transparency requires more than just buzzwords; it necessitates access to real-time data that empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their healthcare. In this piece, we will explore the importance of real-time transparency in PBMs and highlight how Xevant, a leading platform, is revolutionizing the industry. The Current State of PBM Legislation With over 100 bills to reform PBM practices, legislative efforts are intensifying to address the business practices associated with PBMs. However, one common concern is the absence of language surrounding real-time automation in many of these bills. The lack of such provisions threatens to undermine the effectiveness of the proposed reforms. It is crucial to examine the available resources and insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The current state of PBM legislation and the efforts to reform PBM practices highlight the pressing need for transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. PBMs play a critical role in the drug pricing ecosystem. Still, concerns about “traditional” PBM business practices, such as lack of transparency and opaque rebate systems, have raised questions about their impact on drug prices and patient access to affordable medications. Xevant's Groundbreaking Solution Xevant, led by CEO Brandon Newman, stands at the forefront of the drive for transparency in PBM practices. As the only platform capable of providing PBMs and consumers with real-time, automated, and completely transparent data from the entire pharmacy benefits ecosystem, Xevant is poised to revolutionize the industry against the backdrop of the political landscape. The absence of language surrounding transparency and real-time automation in many proposed bills threatens the effectiveness of the reforms. Yet, innovative companies like Xevant are leading the charge for openness in PBM practices. Xevant's real-time data automation and optimization capabilities empower consumers with timely, comprehensive, and transparent information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and potentially save money. With the potential passage of these bills, the pharmaceutical industry could see a shift towards greater accountability, fairer pricing practices, and improved access to affordable medications. The reforms could also create a more level playing field for generic drug manufacturers, fostering competition and lowering prices. Real-Time Data Automation and Optimization Newman emphasizes that transparency cannot be achieved without access to real-time data automation and optimization. This real-time, customized data enables individuals to compare prices, explore alternatives, and understand the specific cost components related to their medications. By bringing together various parts of lowering drug costs, such as drug rebates, 340B contracts, sell-side discounts, copay assistance, and employer negotiations, Xevant offers a solution that empowers consumers with the information they need when required. The Implications of Timely Access to Data The scarcity of timely access to data among many traditional PBMs is a significant challenge in achieving transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. These PBMs typically collect data annually, which leaves a substantial margin of error and can result in millions of dollars lost from consumers' pockets. In contrast, Xevant's capabilities offer a game-changing solution. With Xevant's platform, consumers gain immediate access to critical information regarding drug rebates, markups during spread pricing, competitive alternatives, and the vast landscape of the pharmaceutical ecosystem. Having these complete datasets available in real-time allows individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and potentially save lives. The significance of timely access to data cannot be overstated, as transparency becomes meaningful only when it happens in the present rather than months, or even a year, later than when the impact has already occurred. Navigating Proposed Legislation and Questionable Business Practices Another critical aspect of the PBM landscape that Xevant addresses is the moral implications associated with cost-sharing, clawbacks, spread pricing, and the pass-through of rebates. These practices have long been criticized for their opacity and their negative consequences on patients' access to affordable medications. Xevant's transparency-focused approach highlights these practices, allowing stakeholders to evaluate their ethical implications and work towards fairer alternatives. Xevant recognizes that proposed legislation may have potential cracks that allow for slip-through and the continuation of questionable business practices. Delayed and inaccurate reporting are loopholes that can hinder the effectiveness of reform efforts. By actively engaging with legislators and industry stakeholders, Xevant aims to identify these potential shortcomings and advocate for comprehensive robust legislation that leaves no room forexploitation. The Future of Healthcare and the Role of Real-Time Automation As the discussion surrounding PBM reform gains momentum, the future of healthcare in America hangs in the balance. Xevant sets a new standard for efficiency and consumer empowerment in healthcare decision-making by employing AI-driven technology. Xevant's visionary approach to real-time data automation and optimization paves the way for greater transparency and cost savings in the pharmaceutical industry. Wrapping Up Transparency in pharmacy benefit management is crucial to addressing the soaring costs of prescription drugs and enhancing access to affordable medications. Without access to real-time data and automation, the pursuit of transparency remains elusive. Xevant's groundbreaking platform solves this pressing challenge, enabling PBMs and consumers to access complete, transparent data in real-time. As legislative efforts progress, the need for real-time transparency becomes increasingly evident, and Xevant emerges as the leading legal solution for PBMs. When harnessing the power of real-time data automation, the vision of affordable healthcare can be transformed into a reality, benefiting individuals and the entire healthcare ecosystem.

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Pharma Tech

Tips for Managing Chronic Pain Beyond Prescription Painkillers

Article | July 12, 2022

Painkillers like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin, have been prescribed by primary physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers to patients suffering from varying levels of pain. Though these medications have proven to be an effective source of pain relief, they have also proven to be highly addictive. In fact, it has even been reported that there are more cases of a drug overdose and deaths from prescription painkillers than heroin or cocaine. While there are a number of factors that play into this opioid epidemic, educating doctors and patients on alternative solutions to managing chronic pain is a great place to start combatting this nationwide crisis.

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What are the advantages of PCD Pharma Company?

Article | February 17, 2020

PCD Pharma stands for propaganda distribution. A PCD company gives brand name and support to its franchises. They also provide distribution rights and monopoly rights within a particular region. If a person wants to establish their business, it is a must for them to know the pros and cons of the business to make a sound decision. Needless to mention that PCD company has a lot to contribute in the medical filed. Worldwide in a medical field, A PCD Pharma Company is playing an essential and crucial role in the rapid growth. The pharma industry is progressing t a fast pace. The company uses the latest technologies for each brand which ensures the safety of products and accepts the responsibility of human health & life by providing better outcomes. To have a drug license number and company registration, the cost to establish the company is quite cost-effective that is15000-20000rs. So this gives people a brilliant opportunity to have their unit without digging a big hole in their bank balance. Indian produces exquisite quality products, which make pharma companies a considerable success.

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Spotlight

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing precision therapies for patients with rare cancers. ARIAD is working on new medicines to advance the treatment of rare forms of chronic and acute leukemia, lung cancer and other rare cancers.

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Pharmacy Market

Stevanato Group Announces Expansion of Corporate Headquarters

Stevanato Group | November 18, 2021

Stevanato Group, a global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, today announced the expansion of its corporate headquarters with the construction of a new facility in Piombino Dese, Italy to advance operations and growth of the Company. The new 6,750 square meter facility is expected to support the optimization of Stevanato Group’s industrial footprint, with about 2,500 square meters dedicated to increasing the production of high-value products. In addition to hosting offices, the Italian analytical services site, and R&D space, it is also expected to include new glass syringe forming lines devoted to boosting the production of EZ-fill® solutions, which are pre-sterilized drug containment solutions that reduce total cost of ownership and time-to-market for pharmaceutical companies. “We are very proud of the global growth and evolution that Stevanato Group has achieved over the recent years, and we are always exploring new opportunities and ways to meet our customers’ needs. Further increasing our production capabilities here at home through this new space we expect to be able to bridge capacity demands while our exciting projects in the U.S. and China are underway. Importantly, this expansion is further validation of the hard work of our employees, the demand for our innovative products and the continued growth of our business, and we expect it to allow us to be well positioned to build on our current momentum and advance development initiatives that are expected to directly benefit all of our customers and stakeholders around the world.” Franco Moro, CEO of Stevanato Group Construction of the new building began in September 2021. The Company expects to install and validate new lines in the second quarter of 2022, and expects industrial production to begin between late second quarter and early third quarter of 2022. Stevanato Group’s new flagship building represents an important development in its 2020-2023 Industrial Plan, including efforts to meet increasing global demand for premium products. As part of these efforts, the Company recently operationalized two additional lines for EZ-fill® vials and syringes manufacturing in Italy and, in 2022, plans to add two more lines devoted to EZ-fill® syringes as well as one dedicated line for Alba® syringes, the breakthrough solution for biologics. The expansion underway is part of the Company’s expected plans to triple production of EZ-fill® pre-fillable sterile syringes by 2023 and to increase production of EZ-fill® sterile vials and cartridges 19x by 2023, compared to 2016 numbers. Stevanato Group’s new building also marks the Company’s ongoing dedication to and investment in the local Piombino Dese community, where it has been headquartered for more than 60 years. The new building is expected to act as the counterpart to another facility at the Piombino Dese headquarters, recently completed in 2020, also used for the production of syringes and that hosts solar electric panels. These panels produce 160kWp of electricity per year and are intended to provide electricity to both buildings, as Stevanato Group remains committed to sustainability. To that end, the new building is also intended to have a partial recovery system enabling it to reuse water used for washing in production. About Stevanato Group Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group’s core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking statements. The words "expected", "expects", “intended”, "plans" and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the size and use of the plant, the construction and timing of its plant, impact of the plant of the Company’s business and results of operations and the nature of the plant once complete. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as the Company's ability to continue to obtain financing to meet its liquidity needs, changes in the political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

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Teva subsidiary inks distribution deal with Israeli medical marijuana product maker

FiercePharma | September 13, 2019

As drugmakers dip their toes into the water of cannabis-based drugs, major companies have so far mostly shied away from diving in. Now, a Teva subsidiary is looking for the on-ramp with a distribution deal with an Israeli medical cannabis company. Israeli subsidiary Salomon, Levin, Elstein (SLE) inked a deal with Canndoc, a publicly traded producer of GMP cannabis products, to distribute to Israeli hospitals, health maintenance organizations and all pharmacies, Canndoc said in a release. SLE will also provide logistical support to distribute Canndoc’s products abroad to countries that support the sale and distribution of medical cannabis. "The agreement brings together our well-established pharmaceutical distribution network with Canndoc's high quality medical cannabis industry presence and market leadership," SLE CEO Aviad Bossi said in a statement. "Beyond the operations in Israel, this agreement will provide Canndoc significant logistical capabilities that can support Canndoc's exporting operations from Israel."

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Teva expands blood pressure drug recall in the US amid cancer fears

Pharmaphorum | June 14, 2019

Teva has expanded a recall of losartan potassium tablets after tests revealed a potential human carcinogen in the blood pressure drug. The Israeli pharma earlier this week recalled six lots of the drug containing unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine impurity. This builds on a decision in April when Teva withdrew 35 lots after detecting the same impurity known as NMBA (N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid). According to a recall notice shared by the FDA, Teva had sold bulk lots of the drug to California-based Golden State Medical Supply. The bottles were in sizes containing 30, 90 or 100 tablets. People affected by the recall should continue taking their drugs and ask a doctor or pharmacist about alternatives or replacements, the FDA said. This is because stopping the medication without replacement could cause more harm than continuing with the treatment course. Teva needs to maximise its revenues to pay off huge debts it incurred when it acquired Allergan’s generics business in 2016 for $40.5 billion. The company posted a loss for the first quarter of the year of $97 million, compared with a $1.1 billion profit in the first quarter of 2018.

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Pharmacy Market

Stevanato Group Announces Expansion of Corporate Headquarters

Stevanato Group | November 18, 2021

Stevanato Group, a global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, today announced the expansion of its corporate headquarters with the construction of a new facility in Piombino Dese, Italy to advance operations and growth of the Company. The new 6,750 square meter facility is expected to support the optimization of Stevanato Group’s industrial footprint, with about 2,500 square meters dedicated to increasing the production of high-value products. In addition to hosting offices, the Italian analytical services site, and R&D space, it is also expected to include new glass syringe forming lines devoted to boosting the production of EZ-fill® solutions, which are pre-sterilized drug containment solutions that reduce total cost of ownership and time-to-market for pharmaceutical companies. “We are very proud of the global growth and evolution that Stevanato Group has achieved over the recent years, and we are always exploring new opportunities and ways to meet our customers’ needs. Further increasing our production capabilities here at home through this new space we expect to be able to bridge capacity demands while our exciting projects in the U.S. and China are underway. Importantly, this expansion is further validation of the hard work of our employees, the demand for our innovative products and the continued growth of our business, and we expect it to allow us to be well positioned to build on our current momentum and advance development initiatives that are expected to directly benefit all of our customers and stakeholders around the world.” Franco Moro, CEO of Stevanato Group Construction of the new building began in September 2021. The Company expects to install and validate new lines in the second quarter of 2022, and expects industrial production to begin between late second quarter and early third quarter of 2022. Stevanato Group’s new flagship building represents an important development in its 2020-2023 Industrial Plan, including efforts to meet increasing global demand for premium products. As part of these efforts, the Company recently operationalized two additional lines for EZ-fill® vials and syringes manufacturing in Italy and, in 2022, plans to add two more lines devoted to EZ-fill® syringes as well as one dedicated line for Alba® syringes, the breakthrough solution for biologics. The expansion underway is part of the Company’s expected plans to triple production of EZ-fill® pre-fillable sterile syringes by 2023 and to increase production of EZ-fill® sterile vials and cartridges 19x by 2023, compared to 2016 numbers. Stevanato Group’s new building also marks the Company’s ongoing dedication to and investment in the local Piombino Dese community, where it has been headquartered for more than 60 years. The new building is expected to act as the counterpart to another facility at the Piombino Dese headquarters, recently completed in 2020, also used for the production of syringes and that hosts solar electric panels. These panels produce 160kWp of electricity per year and are intended to provide electricity to both buildings, as Stevanato Group remains committed to sustainability. To that end, the new building is also intended to have a partial recovery system enabling it to reuse water used for washing in production. About Stevanato Group Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group’s core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking statements. The words "expected", "expects", “intended”, "plans" and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the size and use of the plant, the construction and timing of its plant, impact of the plant of the Company’s business and results of operations and the nature of the plant once complete. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as the Company's ability to continue to obtain financing to meet its liquidity needs, changes in the political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

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Teva subsidiary inks distribution deal with Israeli medical marijuana product maker

FiercePharma | September 13, 2019

As drugmakers dip their toes into the water of cannabis-based drugs, major companies have so far mostly shied away from diving in. Now, a Teva subsidiary is looking for the on-ramp with a distribution deal with an Israeli medical cannabis company. Israeli subsidiary Salomon, Levin, Elstein (SLE) inked a deal with Canndoc, a publicly traded producer of GMP cannabis products, to distribute to Israeli hospitals, health maintenance organizations and all pharmacies, Canndoc said in a release. SLE will also provide logistical support to distribute Canndoc’s products abroad to countries that support the sale and distribution of medical cannabis. "The agreement brings together our well-established pharmaceutical distribution network with Canndoc's high quality medical cannabis industry presence and market leadership," SLE CEO Aviad Bossi said in a statement. "Beyond the operations in Israel, this agreement will provide Canndoc significant logistical capabilities that can support Canndoc's exporting operations from Israel."

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Teva expands blood pressure drug recall in the US amid cancer fears

Pharmaphorum | June 14, 2019

Teva has expanded a recall of losartan potassium tablets after tests revealed a potential human carcinogen in the blood pressure drug. The Israeli pharma earlier this week recalled six lots of the drug containing unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine impurity. This builds on a decision in April when Teva withdrew 35 lots after detecting the same impurity known as NMBA (N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid). According to a recall notice shared by the FDA, Teva had sold bulk lots of the drug to California-based Golden State Medical Supply. The bottles were in sizes containing 30, 90 or 100 tablets. People affected by the recall should continue taking their drugs and ask a doctor or pharmacist about alternatives or replacements, the FDA said. This is because stopping the medication without replacement could cause more harm than continuing with the treatment course. Teva needs to maximise its revenues to pay off huge debts it incurred when it acquired Allergan’s generics business in 2016 for $40.5 billion. The company posted a loss for the first quarter of the year of $97 million, compared with a $1.1 billion profit in the first quarter of 2018.

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