Teva UK launches first generic version of Apixaban

Teva UK has launched first generic version of Apixaban to bring savings to the NHS drug bill while making sure patients get the medicine they need.

The generic apixaban is available for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), with one or more risk factors, such as prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults.

Previously there was only a ‘branded’ product available, but Castleford-based Teva UK succeeded in invalidating the apixaban patent and SPC (supplementary protection certificate) in the UK High Court and so is now able to launch its own ‘generic’ version – which will bring savings for the NHS while making sure patients get the medicine they need.

“We’ve always said that we stand up for the patient”, said Kim Innes, General Manager of Teva UK and Ireland. “The launch of generic apixaban emphasizes Teva’s commitment to doing the right thing by putting patients at the heart of everything we do by giving them and the NHS access to affordable treatments.”

Apixaban is an anticoagulant which directly inhibits factor X (factor Xa), inhibiting thrombin formation and the development of thrombi (blood clots). For at-risk patients, such as those with, or at risk for DVT, or NVAF, the risk of stroke related to blood clots forming in the body and traveling to the brain is a serious concern. Each year, DVT affects around 1 person in every 1,000 in the UK and if left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a PE.

A PE can occur when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream. This then blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs, preventing blood from reaching them.

There is currently an estimated 600,000 undiagnosed additional patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in England, according to NHS’s “Operational note: Commissioning recommendations for national procurement for DOACs". With the earlier availability of generic apixaban it’s hoped that this move will give more access to patients and the savings back into NHSE to identify the undiagnosed patients.

The generic apixaban is subject to the National Procurement arrangements operationalised by NHS England.

The apixaban Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) can be found on the electronic medicines compendium (eMC) website at www.medicines.org.uk.