TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Teva Canada Limited, a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., announced today that Health Canada has approved its application for the generic version of PrEzetrol® in patients with primary (heterozygous familial and non-familial) hypercholesterolemia.
PrTeva-Ezetimibe is indicated as an adjunct to lifestyle changes, including diet, when the response to diet and other non-pharmacological measures alone has been inadequate. This medication may be used for the reduction of elevated total cholesterol (total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and triglycerides (TG) and to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients.
PrEzetrol® had annual sales of approximately $189 million in Canada, based on IMS Brogan sales data as of July 10, 2014. PrTeva-Ezetimibe is available immediately in pharmacies across Canada.
"Teva Canada is committed to playing our part in ensuring Canadians with high cholesterol have access to affordable and safe medications as soon as possible," said Doug Sommerville, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Teva Canada Limited. "Heart disease and stroke remain among the top three leading causes of death in Canada (after cancer), costing our economy more than $20.9 billion per year in physician services, hospital costs and decreased productivity. Our small part by offering this lower-cost alternative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to playing a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system."
Hypercholesterolemia can lead to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls, resulting in a condition called atherosclerosis, making it more challenging for blood to flow through the heart and circulate through the body. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for circulatory problems, heart disease and stroke.[i] Among Canadians aged 6 to 79, Statistics Canada estimates that 39 per cent had an unhealthy level of total cholesterol between 2009 and 2011.[ii] When measuring unhealthy LDL cholesterol within the same time period, the number of Canadians with this 'bad' cholesterol increased significantly with age, with less than six per cent of six to 19 year olds having unhealthy LDL, compared to 12 per cent of 20 to 39 year olds and 40 per cent of 40 to 59 year olds.[iii]
About Teva Canada Limited
Teva Canada Limited, headquartered in Toronto, has provided affordable healthcare solutions for almost 50 years, with nearly 200,000[iv] prescriptions filled with our products every day. Originally Novopharm Limited, Teva Canada specializes in the development, production and marketing of high-quality generic prescription pharmaceuticals and through our branded division, Teva Canada Innovation, focuses on a diverse line of innovative products in a variety of therapeutic areas. Teva Canada employs more than 1,400 individuals, markets more than 400[v] products in Canada and is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., the world's largest generic drug maker. For more information, visit: www.tevacanada.com or www.tevamakesmedicines.ca.
About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company, committed to increasing access to high-quality healthcare by developing, producing and marketing affordable generic drugs, as well as innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world's leading generic drug maker, with a global product portfolio of more than 1,000 molecules and a direct presence in approximately 60 countries. Teva's Specialty Medicines businesses focus on CNS, respiratory, oncology, pain, and women's health therapeutic areas, as well as biologics. Teva currently employs approximately 45,000 people around the world and reached $20.3 billion in net revenues in 2013.
--------------------------------------------
[i] Heart and Stroke Foundation. Getting your cholesterol in check. http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3484161/k.37F7/Stroke__High_blood_cholesterol.htm . Accessed on September 12, 2014.
[ii] Statistics Canada. Cholesterol levels of Canadians, 2009 to 2011. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2012001/article/11732-eng.htm. Accessed on September 12, 2014.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] IMS Compuscript TRx MAT June 2014.
[v] IMS CD&H MAT June 2014.
SOURCE: Teva Canada Limited
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.: Denise Bradley, Vice-President, Head of Global Corporate Reputation, P. 215.591.8974, F. 215.591.8826, [email protected]
Share this article