Hikma and Civica Rx Sign Long-Term Agreement to Reduce US Generic Drug Shortages

Hikma signed a five-year agreement to manufacture and supply Civica's growing membership of US health systems with medications that are often in short supply in US hospitals, the companies announced in a July 23, 2019 press release. Under the agreement, Hikma will produce 14 essential sterile injectable medications for Civica as a private label distributor, using Hikma's Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) and Civica's labeling and National Drug Code (NDC). These medicines are used daily by hospitals in emergency care, surgery, pain management, and in treating hypertension. The list of products included in the agreement will be publicly announced in the near future, and initial shipments are expected to begin before the end of 2019.

Civica was established in 2018 to reduce chronic generic drug shortages in the US, and it exists in the public interest as a non-profit, non-stock corporation committed to stabilizing the supply of essential generic medications in a hospital setting. To date, more than 30 health systems are Civica members, representing more than 900 US hospitals and approximately 30 percent of all licensed US hospital beds.

According to the press release, Hikma is the third largest US supplier of generic injectable medicines, and one in every six generic injectable medicines used in US hospitals is a Hikma product. During the past three years, Hikma has launched more than 20 medications into US shortage situations, and in 2016 the company received a Drug Shortage Assistance Award from FDA for its role in preventing or alleviating drug shortages.

"Hikma is thrilled to be partnering with Civica to reduce drug shortages, and we share their commitment to providing hospitals and doctors with a steady and reliable supply of high-quality injectable medicines needed for successful patient care," said Daniel Motto, Hikma's executive vice-president of Commercial & Business Development, US Injectables, in the press release. "This agreement recognizes both our ability to deliver a large and consistent supply of quality medicines, and the significant investments we have made to expand our injectable manufacturing capacity and capabilities."

"We applaud Hikma's clear commitment to reducing drug shortages," said Martin VanTrieste, President and CEO of Civica Rx, in the press release. "Our partnership will help us make an impact as quickly as possible. We specifically chose Hikma because of their strong manufacturing capabilities and believe their excellent quality and supply record will be key to our success in ensuring vital medications are consistently available for hospitals and patients who need them."

"We are privileged to be working with Civica and we appreciate their five-year commitment to guaranteed demand and fair and sustainable pricing, which supports more effective production planning and long-term investments in manufacturing," said Riad Mishlawi, president, Hikma Injectables, in the press release. "We believe Hikma's size and scale, broad portfolio of medicines, and robust pipeline across growing therapeutic areas will enable us to build on this partnership in the future. We are committed to working with Civica and all of our customers as a reliable partner, capable of serving the growing needs of US hospitals and clinics for a wide-range of essential medicines."

Source: Hikma, Civica Rx