French drug major Sanofi-Aventis' Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide) extended-release tablets, an effective bupropion therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder, is now available by prescription in the USA for adults aged 18 and older.
Canada's Biovail Corp licensed marketing and distribution rights to the antidepressant in the USA and Puerto Rico to Sanofi at the start of the year (Marketletter January 15). The agent was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in April 2008 for MDD.
According to Sanofi, the agent differs from other generic and branded bupropion antidepressants because it provides a unique HBr salt extended-release formulation, offering prescribers and their patients the benefit of convenience with simple one tablet, once-daily dosing for all strengths. Prakash Masand, of Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, noted that Aplenzin offers a once-a-day tablet at the highest bupropion dose, providing an alternative to those who currently take two to three tablets daily.
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