Actavis has launched Valaciclovir in France and a number of other European Economic Area countries. Valaciclovir, used to treat herpes virus infections, is one of the top selling drugs coming off patent in France in 2009.

Valaciclovir was launched on day one in France, both under the Actavis brand and by customers of Medis - Actavis’ Third-party sales division. Actavis’ own brand product also entered the market on patent expiry in the UK and Norway, while Medis’ customers launched in Italy. The patents expired on 20-21 December.

Valaciclovir Actavis will soon be entering other European markets.

Valaciclovir Actavis is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline’s Valtrex® / Zelitrex®. The generic drug from Actavis is available in 500mg tablets, and 1000mg in some markets.

Valaciclovir (also spelt valacyclovir) is used to treat herpes virus infections, including cold sores, shingles and genital herpes in adults as well as chickenpox and cold sores in children.

Annual brand product sales were EUR169m in the EEA (IMS Health data, 12 months ended September 2009).

Valaciclovir Actavis was developed by Actavis R&D and is manufactured by Actavis in Iceland.