Actavis expands into Irish market

Icelandic generic drugs manufacturer Actavis plans to launch more than 120 copy-medcines in Ireland, claiming it could save millions of euros  on the country's annual health bill.

The company launched a generic version of Eli Lilly's Gemzar  (gemcitabine HCl) on the Irish market on March 9. In addition, the firm  will create 25 new jobs to add to 11 corporate employees currently based  in the country.

"Over the next five years, we plan to rapidly expand our offering in  Ireland in all channels: hospital-specific, prescription and  over-the-counter medicines," said Actavis Ireland managing director Tony  Hynds. "In Ireland, Actavis has established a team with deep expertise  in the local industry, people who understand the nature of the market  here, and has given them the backing of a vast global product pipeline,"  he added.