Dive Brief:
- FDA has approved celecoxib tablets—the generic version of Celebrex.
- Celecoxib is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and short-term acute pain.
- The capsules, which will be marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, will be available in various dosages.
Dive Insight:
Teva has exclusivity for 180 days at which point other companies can enter the market. Mylan Labs is prepared to enter the market after the grace period. While Teva will be marketing 50-, 100-, 200- and 400-mg tablets, Mylan will be focusing on 50-mg tablets. Like other NSAIDs in its class, celecoxib will carry the black box warning cautioning patients about the risk of heart attack or stroke.