Generic Rx Zegerid deals blow to Santarus
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
The proton pump inhibitor's originator is reducing its workforce by 37 percent, or about 120 employees, and ceasing promotion of Rx Zegerid in light of Prasco Labs' July 1 launch of a generic equivalent. A federal court in April ruled as invalid five patents held by Santarus on Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate), paving the way for generic competition (1"The Tan Sheet" April 19, 2010, In Brief). CEO Gerald Proehl said the layoffs were "an extremely difficult decision" for the San Diego-based firm, which had expected increased prescriptions for Zegerid following Merck/Schering-Plough's April launch of Zegerid OTC (2"The Tan Sheet" Nov. 23, 2009, In Brief). A Santarus spokeswoman said the firm still may receive an additional $37.5 million in Zegerid OTC sales milestones from the licensee