TEVA GETS APPROVAL FOR GENERIC EFFEXOR

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has received final approval from the FDA for its generic Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) tablets in strengths of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg.

The Israel-based firm said shipments of the drug are expected to begin almost immediately. Teva has over 80 percent of its sales centered in North America and Europe.

Venlafaxine hydrochloride, indicated in the treatment of major depressive disorders, is an AB-rated generic equivalent of Wyeth's Effexor, which has annual sales of more than $152 million.