Sandoz launches (Pr)Sandoz* Losartan and Sandoz Losartan HCT

BOUCHERVILLE, QC, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Sandoz announced the launch of Sandoz Losartan and Sandoz Losartan HCT, generic equivalents to Merck Frosst's Cozaar^® and Hyzaar^® in Canada.

Sandoz Losartan is a drug indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and children between 6 and 16 years of age. It is also indicated in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria and hypertension to delay the progression of renal disease, as measured by the occurrence of doubling of serum creatinine, and end stage renal disease, as well as reduce proteinuria.

Sandoz Losartan HCT is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension in patients for whom combination therapy is appropriate.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. It can narrow and block arteries as well as strain and weaken the body's organs. In 2010, 17.1% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported having high blood pressure⁺.

"The launch of Sandoz Losartan and Sandoz Losartan HCT add new key products to our broad portfolio of differentiated, difficult-to-make generics," said Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager of Sandoz Canada. "Furthermore, this launch demonstrates our focus on advancing the pipeline to bring high-quality, affordable medicines to the market as quickly as possible."

About Sandoz Canada Inc.
With more than 237 molecules, Sandoz Canada offers one of the broadest portfolios of generic products in Canada. Through product development and innovation, Sandoz demonstrates its leadership by constantly adding to its existing portfolio. Sandoz develops, produces, markets and distributes a wide array of oral, topical, rectal, ophthalmic, and injectable generic products in different formulations (suspension, solution, tablet, capsule, cream, ointment, suppository, gelcap, transdermal patches) and various presentations (ampoules, vials, bottles, mini bags). Through its ability to rise to the numerous challenges inherent to the development of sterile generic products, Sandoz Canada's Development Centre has built a reputation for excellence within the Novartis group. Sandoz Canada employs about 850 people, mostly based at its Boucherville facilities (on the South Shore of Montréal).

About Sandoz
Sandoz, a Division of the Novartis group, is a global leader in the field of generic pharmaceuticals, offering a wide array of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents.  Sandoz has a portfolio of about 1000 compounds and sells its products in more than 130 countries.  Key product groups include antibiotics, treatments for central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular treatments and hormone therapies. Sandoz develops, produces and markets these medicines along with pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances and anti-infectives. In addition to strong organic growth in recent years, Sandoz has made a series of acquisitions including Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria) and Oriel Therapeutics (US).  In 2010, Sandoz employed around 23,000 people worldwide and posted sales of USD 8.5 billion.

Forward-Looking Statement
The foregoing release may contain forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "new", "the first" and "pioneer", or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding future sales of the above-mentioned products. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results with the above-mentioned products to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that the above-mentioned products will receive any additional marketing approvals in any other countries, or that it will reach any particular sales levels. In particular, management's expectations regarding commercialization of the above-mentioned products could be affected by, among other things, additional analysis of clinical data in respect of the above-mentioned products, new clinical data, unexpected clinical trial results, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally, the company's ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection, competition in general, increased government, industry, and general public pricing pressures, and other risks and factors referred to in the Form 20-F filed by Novartis with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Sandoz is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

* Registered trademark used under license by Sandoz Canada Inc.
^® Cozaar and Hyzaar are registered trademarks of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp
⁺Source: Statcan.gc.ca