Pharmacy News Article

PITTSBURGH-Generic drug maker Mylan Inc. said Thursday federal regulators approved its application to make generic versions of the Roche drug CellCept, which prevents organ rejection in some transplant patients.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Mylan's abbreviated new drug applications for 500-milligram tablets and 250-milligram capsules of the drug. CellCept helps prevent organ rejection in patients receiving kidney, heart or liver transplants.

Mylan said the two versions of the drug brought in a combined total of more than $1 billion in sales in the 12 months that ended March 31.

The drug developer has started shipping both products.

Mylan's shares rose 3.6 percent, or 48 cents, to $13.75 in Thursday morning trading.