Mylan's Matrix Receives WHO Approval for First Generic, Heat-Stable Version of HIV Protease InhibitorProvides first affordable protease inhibitor for patients in developing
countries
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL)
today announced that Matrix Laboratories Limited, its India-based subsidiary
in which it holds a 71.5% controlling interest, received the first and only
World Health Organization (WHO) approval for Lopinavir/Ritonavir Tablets, 200
mg/50 mg. Matrix's version of this product is heat-stable and affordable,
making it practical for distribution and use in warm climates.
Lopinavir/Ritonavir Tablets are the generic version of Abbott
Laboratories' Kaletra® Tablets, the brand marketed in the U.S. and Europe,
and Alluvia Tablets, the brand marketed in the developing world. It is used in
combination with other medications to control HIV infection and is included in
the antiretroviral (ARV) class of drugs known as HIV protease inhibitors.
Mylan Vice Chairman and CEO Robert J. Coury said: "Mylan and Matrix are
committed to our growing and high quality ARV franchise. Our goal is to
provide HIV treatments to patients around the world -- especially in
developing countries. With Matrix's heat-stable and affordable version of
Lopinavir/Ritonavir, patients in remote parts of developing nations now have
access to this important medicine."
A WHO approval indicates that a drug meets international safety, efficacy
and manufacturing quality standards. With such status, Matrix can sell the
treatment in most countries outside the United States and Europe.
Matrix's wide range of ARV products includes active pharmaceutical
ingredients (API) and first- and second-line finished doses; patients use
second-line therapies if and when they develop resistance to initially
prescribed treatments. The company's emphasis on producing affordable products
has allowed it to drive down the average annual cost per patient of effective
therapies. Approximately 30% of HIV/AIDS patients in the developing world
depend on Matrix's ARV products.
Mylan Inc., which provides products to customers in more than 140
countries and territories, ranks among the leading diversified generic and
specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company maintains one of
the industry's broadest - and highest quality - product portfolios, supported
by a robust product pipeline; owns a controlling interest in the world's third
largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer; and operates a
specialty business focused on respiratory and allergy therapies. For more
information, please visit www.mylan.com.
SOURCE Mylan Inc.
02/25/2009
CONTACT: Media: Michael Laffin, +1-724-514-1968, or Investors: Dan
Crookshank, +1-724-514-1813, both of Mylan Inc.
/Web Site: http://www.mylan.com
(MYL)