Reckitt Benckiser 'disappointed' as FDA approves production of generic drug
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light for two drug manufacturers to produce a generic version of Reckitt Benckiser's SUBOXONE tablets in the US, dealing a big blow to the consumer products giant.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light for two drug manufacturers to produce a generic version of Reckitt Benckiser's SUBOXONE tablets in the US, dealing a big blow to the consumer products giant.
Reckitt announced on Monday morning that two unnamed manufacturers had received approval to make the drug, which is used in the treatment for the chronic diseases of addiction.
The new comes after RB Pharmaceuticals business (RBP) had filed a 'Citizen's Petition' to the FDA which called for more stringent packaging standards and increased educational interventions to help lower the number of children exposed to products that contain buprenorphine - found in RBP's SUBOXONE tablets - which are used to treat opioid dependence.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
"The FDA concluded that the safety data presented by RB Pharmaceuticals did not warrant these additional measures, deciding instead that existing labelling and safety programmes were sufficient," Reckitt said.
The company said that it is "disappointed" with the decision but will continue to work with the FDA on safety enhancements.
"RBP remains committed to maintaining its own high level standards for safety, including the use of child resistant, unit-dose packaging for its buprenorphine-based opioid dependence treatment products.
"It will therefore carry on with the decision to discontinue the sale of its loose tablet bottles of SUBOXONE in the United States in favour of other effective treatment options that have shown reduced paediatric exposure rates."
Reckitt makes a wide range of household cleaning products such as Cillit Bang and Calgon, but is also responsible for brands such as Nurofen and Strepsils.
-
SIPP holders to get cash warnings and be offered default funds
News Providers will be required to offer investors a default fund and must warn customers of the inflationary risk of cash savings the regulator has said. What the new rules mean for your retirement pot?
By Marc Shoffman Published
-
Zoopla: Asking price discounts hit a five-year high – is now the time to buy a property?
News Zoopla’s October House Price Index shows sellers are accepting discounts of 5.5% on average to secure a sale – we reveal where homeowners are taking the biggest asking price cuts
By Marc Shoffman Published