Actavis has launched the antihypertensive drug Losartan on day one, as the patent expired in Switzerland.

The product was launched by Actavis under its own name, and by customers of Medis, Actavis’ Third-party sales division.

Losartan, marketed by Merck under the brand name Cozaar®, is mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Generic Losartan by Actavis is available in Switzerland in 50mg and 100mg tablets.

Losartan Actavis was developed and produced by Actavis in Iceland. The product was launched on 21 December, when the patent expired in Switzerland.

A record year for Actavis product launches

Actavis achieved more than 720 product- and market launches in 2009, compared to over 660 in 2008, which was also a record year for the Group. Actavis offers one of the broadest product portfolios and strongest pipelines in the generics industry with around 830 products on the market and about 350 products under development and pending registration. Actavis products are registered in more than 60 countries.