Updated at: 02/04/2013 4:38 PM (AP) WASHINGTON - Federal regulators say approval of the first generic version of cancer drug Doxil will help resolve a lingering shortage triggered by manufacturing deficiencies. The shortage of the Johnson & Johnson injectable medication, made under contract by Ben Venue Laboratories, has continued on and off for a few years. It’s resulted in rationing, with some patients with ovarian and other cancers getting less-effective care, and disrupted studies testing Doxil against possible new treatments. The Food and Drug Administration says it’s approved a generic version, called doxorubicin, made by Sun Pharma Global FZE. Last February, the FDA authorized temporary importation from India of a brand-name version, called Lipodox, also made by Sun Pharma. It’s a subsidiary of an Indian drugmaker. Meanwhile, J&J continues to seek a contract manufacturer to replace Ben Venue.
By The Associated Press
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)