Sagent Pharmaceuticals Adds to Its Oncology Portfolio With Launch of Topotecan Hydrochloride for Injection

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced U.S. FDA approval and launch of its topotecan hydrochloride for injection, a chemotherapy agent, in conjunction with the innovator's patent expiry.  Sagent's topotecan is available in 4 mg single-dose latex-free vials.  This is the latest product to feature Sagent's proprietary PreventIV Measures™ packaging and labeling that is designed to aid in product differentiation and to help with the reduction of medication errors.  According to 2010 IMS data, the U.S. market for injectable topotecan approximated $158 million.

"Topotecan is an important treatment for patients who have recurrent small cell lung cancer sensitive disease or cervical cancer," said Jeffrey M. Yordon, chief executive officer, founder, and chairman of the board of Sagent. "Our launch of topotecan reinforces Sagent's commitment to grow our oncology portfolio, to meet the needs of oncology patients and clinicians and to demonstrate our capabilities and expertise in injectable pharmaceuticals."

About Topotecan Hydrochloride for Injection

Topotecan is indicated for the treatment of small cell lung cancer sensitive disease after failure of first-line chemotherapy.  Additionally, topotecan in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of stage IV-B, recurrent, or persistent carcinoma of the cervix which is not amenable to curative treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

The package insert, which is available at www.SagentPharma.com, contains detailed information about the indications, complete side effect profile, boxed warnings and prescribing information.

About PreventIV Measures™

PreventIV Measures™ is Sagent's comprehensive, user-driven and patient-centered approach to product labeling and packaging that is designed to help prevent medication errors. It incorporates unique label and carton designs, cap and label colors, bar coding and other features that are designed to make it easier to differentiate drugs and identify the correct dose.

About Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2006, is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, sourcing and marketing pharmaceutical products, with a specific emphasis on injectable products.  Sagent has created a unique, global network of resources comprised of rapid development capabilities, sophisticated manufacturing and innovative drug-delivery technologies, quickly yielding an extensive portfolio of pharmaceutical products that fulfills the evolving needs of patients.  

To Discover Injectables Excellence™ and learn more about Sagent, please visit www.SagentPharma.com.

SOURCE Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.