Actavis Group, the international generic pharmaceuticals company, launched Valsartan and Valsartan HCT in nine European countries immediately after the patents expired on 12 and 13 November.

The angiotensin II inhibitor, used to treat high blood pressure, was marketed in Austria, Germany, Denmark, UK, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and France – many of Western Europe’s biggest markets.

Valsartan is the generic equivalent of the Diovan® brand product from Novartis. The generic drug from Actavis has already been launched in various other markets where the patents expired earlier.

According to IMS Health data, Valsartan branded sales in Europe were more than EUR548 million for the year ending June 2011, while Valsartan HCT branded sales for the same period were over EUR701 million.

Valsartan is manufactured by Actavis in Malta and Dupnitza, Bulgaria.

Enquiries
Actavis Group
Hjordis Arnadottir
Director – External Communications
Tel: +41 41 462 7300
E-mail: harnadottir@actavis.com