FDA Approves First Generic Version Of Herpes Treatment Zovirax Ointment

Mylan Inc. April 3 announced that its subsidiary, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the first generic version of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.'s Zovirax (acyclovir) ointment, 5 percent.

Zovirax ointment is indicated for managing initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients, the Pittsburgh-based company said.

Mylan said it is shipping this product immediately.

Acyclovir ointment, 5 percent had U.S. sales of approximately $230 million for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2012, according to IMS Health.

In 2011, Valeant announced that its subsidiary, Biovail Laboratories International ...