Oral Drug To Treat Multiple Sclerosis Launched By Mahwah-Based Firm

MAHWAH, NJ — A global pharmaceutical company said its U.S. headquarters in Mahwah has launched Fingolimod capsules, used to treat multiple sclerosis, in the American market, according to a news release.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA, launched the orally available drug, the generic version of Gilenya capsules (0.5 mg), which are indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of MS in patients as young as 10. The drug firm received the nod from the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for the Fingolimod capsules, The Economic Times reported.

"We are very pleased to bring a lower cost alternative to Gilenya capsules," Glenmark Pharma's North American business President Sanjeev Krishan said. " This launch confirms our commitment to provide quality and affordable pharmaceutical products to patients."

Gilenya capsules (0.5 mg), an FDA-approved immune system modulator, achieved annual sales of approximately $1.8 billion for the 12 months ending September 2022, according to IQVIA data.