Indivior PLC (LON:INDV) has launched a generic version of its drug Suboxone after two rivals launched their own cut-price versions of the blockbuster addiction treatment.
Indian giant Dr Reddy’s and US outfit Alvogen have been free to sell their copycats since Tuesday when orders preventing them from doing so were lifted by US courts.
READ: Court clears way for launch of generic versions of Indivior’s Suboxone drug
Indivior has repeatedly said it expects to see a “rapid and material loss of market share” for Suboxone once the competition hits the market.
To try to offset that as much as possible, it has launched its own cheaper version which it hopes doctors will prescribe over Dr Reddy’s and Alvogen’s treatments.
Something better than nothing
Although revenues will be a fraction of what Suboxone was able to achieve, bosses have taken the view that something is better than nothing.
“We are making an authorized generic of our SUBOXONE Film brand product available to patients and providers immediately, giving them yet another option of medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence,” said chief executive Shaun Thaxter.
“In addition, we expect this launch will create the opportunity to maximize the value of our SUBOXONE Film franchise.”
At-risk basis
Both Dr Reddy’s and Alvogen are launching on an ‘at-risk basis’ as Indivior is still trying to convince US lawmakers that their versions infringe on its patents.
The FTSE 250 drugmaker hasn’t had much success so far – courts have dismissed the claims in the past – but should it ultimately achieve the result it is looking for, its rivals will have to pay it a considerable amount in compensation.
Indivior shares edged 1.1% higher to 106.0p on Wednesday morning.