Teva, Lupin Launch Generics of Allergan Contraceptive

Lupin Ltd. launched its generic version of Allergan’s Minastrin 24 Fe, a chewable oral contraceptive, March 16, but it’s getting an unwelcome competitor.

Teva said it started selling an authorized generic version of the drug March 16, the same day as Lupin’ generic launch. Authorized generics are drugs sold under a license from the patent holder. Brand companies frequently license authorized generics as a way to limit other generics’ market share.

The authorized generic is the result of an Allergan standalone distribution agreement with Teva, Mark Marmur, director of corporate affairs for Allergan plc in Parsippany, N.J., told Bloomberg BNA ...