Allergan plc and its partner Perrigo Company plc announced the launch of combination guaifenesin 600mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 60mg extended-release tablets to retail and wholesale customers. First shipments of this new store branded product started in December and represents a first-to-market accomplishment for Allergan and Perrigo.

These products are packaged and marketed as store brands or retailer ‘own label’ brands and provide consumers a high-quality, value alternative to the Mucinex® D extended-release product.

Mucinex® D 600mg Extended-Release tablets (guaifenesin 600mg and pseudoephedrine HCl 60mg extended-release tablets), an expectorant and nasal decongestant indicated to relieve chest congestion in combination with sinus congestion and pressure, had sales of approximately $46 million through food, drug and mass merchants during the last 12 months.

“This first-to-market launch illustrates the power of combining Allergan’s world-class generics R&D capabilities with Perrigo’s leadership in OTC and store brand products,” said Robert Stewart, Allergan’s Executive Vice President & President, Generics and Global Operations. “By leveraging our combined expertise, we are making a high-quality, more affordable store brand alternative to the Mucinex® D extended-release product available for the first time to patients in the U.S., and delivering on our shared commitment to providing patients around the globe with increased access to affordable, high-quality medicines.”

Perrigo’s Chairman, President and CEO Joseph C. Papa stated, “This launch is a significant milestone in the partnership between Perrigo and Allergan, and we are pleased to be the first company to bring this complex product to the market. This is another excellent example of Perrigo’s commitment to making quality healthcare more affordable for consumers around the globe. Additionally, we are excited to launch the balance of the range of five additional Mucinex®-comparable products to the U.S. store brand market over the course of the first half of calendar year 2016. A full range of Mucinex® comparable products for the store brand market has been eagerly anticipated by retailers and consumers to provide them high-quality, value alternatives to the national brand.”

Separately, Perrigo announced the temporary suspension of sales of its Guaifenesin 600mg extended- release product pending the resolution of challenges related to an excipient used in the production of the product. This suspension is expected to have a minimal impact to Perrigo’s fourth quarter 2015 adjusted earnings per share.

Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News