Watson to Market Iron Deficiency Anemia in the US

Watson Pharmaceuticals has announced a license agreement with GeneraMedix for the exclusive US marketing rights to a generic version of Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose injection). The drug is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in hemodialysis patients receiving supplemental epoetin therapy.

GeneraMedix has an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) on file with the FDA for a sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose product that is packaged in a vial. The application is under expedited review with the FDA. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will supply the product to Watson, which will market, sell and distribute the product in the US. Terms of the license agreement have not been disclosed.

Watson currently markets the brand product, Ferrlecit, under a supply and distribution agreement with Sanofi-Aventis. The product rights return to Sanofi-Aventis on December 31, 2009.