ISRAEL'S TARO PHARMA WINS UK APPROVALS

Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, an Israel-based drugmaker, announced that its UK affiliate, Taro Pharmaceuticals, has been granted marketing authorization for generic etopan XL tablets, 600 mg, by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

The drug is the first UK generic alternative to Lodine SR Tablets (etodolac), 600 mg, which is marketed by Shire Pharmaceuticals. Etopan XL is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken for acute or long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Lodine SR Tablets have annual sales of approximately $18 million in the UK, according to Taro.

Taro has also been granted UK marketing authorization for tarodent mouthwash, 0.2 percent (chlorhexidine digluconate). The over-the-counter product is a generic alternative to Corsodyl Mouthwash, which is marketed in the UK by GlaxoSmithKline.