Rough Patch for J&J Creates Opportunity for Mylan

- Wall Street Journal

02/22/2008 - After Johnson & Johnson recalled a version of its popular Duragesic pain patch early this month, generic drug maker Mylan got an unusual and welcome call from the FDA.

Could Mylan fill the demand left by J&J’s removal of all its 25-microgram-per-hour patches from the U.S. market? Heather Bresch, Mylan’s COO, told the Health Blog she replied with a hearty, “Yes!”

J&J and Novartis’s Sandoz unit, which also sells a generic version of the pain patch (active ingredient: fentanyl) made by J&J’s Alza unit, recalled the 25mcg/hour patch over concerns that it could leak and give patients or health-care workers an overdose of the powerful narcotic.

Mylan has been quick to tell pharmacists and patients that its 25-microgram fentanyl patch (pictured) remains free and clear of troubles. Why? The company says that’s because its fentanyl pain patch is cut from a different cloth, literally.

Duragesic uses a reservoir design, sometimes referred to as a “ravioli patch” because the active gel ingredient is stored in the middle of the adhesive. Mylan uses a matrix design that incorporates the active ingredient in the adhesive, so there’s no issue with leakage.

Bresch said Mylan had pointed out the risks of reservoir patches for years and touted the safety of the matrix approach. Now the company’s enjoying a we-told-you-so-moment. “I get offended when people say [generic drug makers] aren’t research and development companies,” Bresch said. “We spend millions of dollars on innovation.”

If you or a loved one have experienced Duragesic side effects you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Duragesic attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Duragesic side effects, a possible Duragesic class action lawsuit, or any other type of Duragesic litigation.