Sandoz, a manufacturer of generic and biosimilar medicines, announced the US launch of its generic pirfenidone, the first AB-rated (fully substitutable) equivalent to Genentech's Esbriet®*, to treat patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).1 This prescription oral medicine is immediately available to patients via specialty pharmacies, with a $0 co-pay program for eligible patients.
IPF is a progressive rare disease with no cure, which causes irreversible lung scarring and makes it difficult to breathe. It primarily affects adults over age 50, and is more common in men.3 Approximately 140,000 Americans live with IPF. In addition to medicines that can slow the progression of scar tissue formation,3 it is recommended that patients stay active, eat well, and use oxygen therapy as prescribed.2
Sandoz sees potential to increase patient access to high-quality, more affordable generic respiratory and specialty medicines, as few generic companies have demonstrated capabilities in this complex therapy area.