First Generic Copaxone Competitor Launched in US

Sandoz has begun shipping glatiramer acetate (Glatopa), the first FDA-approved generic competitor to Teva's Copaxone multiple sclerosis (MS) drug.

"Sandoz, together with Momenta, is proud to announce the US market launch of a fully substitutable generic version of this important therapy," stated Sandoz US president Peter Goldschmidt.

Glatopa received FDA approval in April 2015 to treat patients with relapsing forms of MS, including those who have experienced a first clinical episode and have magnetic resonance imaging results consistent with an MS diagnosis. The drug is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to glatiramer acetate or mannitol.

With Glatopa’s launch, Sandoz is offering financial assistance to qualified patients, injection training, and 24-hour access to nurses for non-clinical questions.

Common side effects of Glatopa treatment include injection site reactions, such as erythema, rashes, and chest pain.