AstraZeneca Launches Blood Pressure Drug Dutoprol

AstraZeneca April 12 announced the availability of Dutoprol (metoprolol succinate extended release/hydrochlorothiazide tablets), the first and only once-daily antihypertensive agent that contains the active ingredient of Toprol-XL plus a low-dose diuretic to treat high blood pressure.

The company said that instead of a traditional payer contracting strategy, it has taken a novel approach in launching Dutoprol at a wholesale acquisition price ($15.90) that is competitive to the generics of Toprol-XL and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, with or without insurance coverage.

AstraZeneca said it has created Dutoprol Direct, a direct-to-patient mail-order program, which may offer additional savings to patients beyond the retail pharmacy ...