Hikma Pharmaceuticals launches generic cancer tablets in US

Hikma Pharmaceuticals said its wholly-owned US affiliate, West-Ward Pharmaceuticals has launched generic cancer treatment tablets in the US.

The Capecitabine tablets, which are the generic equivalents to Xeloda tablets, are indicated for adjuvant treatment in patients with Dukes' C colon cancer, as monotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer, and in combination with docetaxel or as monotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

According to IMS Health, US sales of Capecitabine 150 mg and 500 mg tablets were around $493m for the 12 months ending May 2016.

Chief executive officer Said Darwazah said: “We are very pleased to have this product approval from the Columbus portfolio. We have an excellent pipeline of differentiated products and proven R&D, supply chain and operational capabilities that we expect will drive accelerated and sustainable future growth."

At 1153 BST, Hikma shares were up 0.9% to 2,574.62p.