Approvals Expand Portfolio of Respiratory Medicines Delivered in RespiClick® Inhaler Designed to Eliminate the Need for Hand-Breath Coordination During Inhalation
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) today
announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two
products for adolescent and adult patients with asthma. These products,
AirDuoTM RespiClick® (fluticasone propionate and
salmeterol inhalation powder) and ArmonAirTM RespiClick®
(fluticasone propionate inhalation powder), include medication delivered
via Teva’s RespiClick® breath-activated, multi-dose dry
powder inhaler (MDPI) which is used with other approved medicines in
Teva’s respiratory product portfolio.
AirDuoTM RespiClick® is a fixed dose combination
product containing the same active ingredients as Advair®.
AirDuo™ RespiClick® is a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2-adrenergic
agonist (LABA) indicated for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 12
years and older. ArmonAirTM RespiClick® is an
inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) containing the same active ingredient as
Flovent®, and is indicated for the maintenance treatment of
asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 12 years and older.
“As a company on the forefront of developing inhaler technologies for
people living with asthma, we are very pleased to now have two
additional RespiClick®-delivered medicines approved for
adolescent and adult patients in the U.S.,” said Michael Hayden, MD,
PhD, President of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Teva. “The
expansion of our breath-activated product portfolio underscores Teva’s
commitment to developing medicines that truly meet the needs of patients
living with asthma and other respiratory diseases.”
Rob Koremans, M.D., President and CEO of Global Specialty Medicines at
Teva said, “With these approvals, we now integrate both fixed dose
combination and monotherapy into our core, breath-activated RespiClick®
device. By expanding our RespiClick portfolio of breath-activated
inhalers, we will provide physicians and their patients with additional
treatment options in an inhaler device that does not require hand-breath
coordination during inhalation.”
AirDuo™ RespiClick® and ArmonAir™ RespiClick® are
expected to become available to patients in the U.S., by prescription,
later this year. Both products have been approved in three strengths.
The approved strengths of AirDuo™ RespiClick® are: 55/14 mcg, 113/14 mcg
and 232/14 mcg administered as one inhalation twice daily. The approved
strengths of ArmonAir™ RespiClick® are: 55 mcg, 113 mcg, and 232 mcg
administered as one inhalation twice daily.
“Prescribing the lowest effective dose of a medication is a key clinical
objective in the treatment of asthma. It’s equally important that
patients use their asthma inhalers correctly to ensure medicine is
reaching the lungs,” said Dr. Lyndon Mansfield, MD, Clinical
Professor of Pediatrics, Paul Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX.
“With research indicating that a significant number of patients still do
not properly use their metered-dose inhalers, I am pleased that more
asthma treatments and strengths are now approved in a device that
eliminates the need for hand-breath coordination during inhalation.”
The FDA’s approval of AirDuo™ RespiClick® and ArmonAir™
RespiClick® is supported by data from Teva’s clinical
development program, including three Phase III trials which evaluated
the efficacy and safety of the treatments in adolescent and adult
patients with asthma. In the two double-blind studies, both therapies
showed clinically relevant and greater benefit compared with placebo in
the improvement of lung function after 12 weeks of treatment as measured
by Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). In clinical
trials for AirDuo™ RespiClick®, the most common adverse
reactions (incidence ≥3%) were nasopharyngitis, headache, cough, oral
candidiasis and back pain. In ArmonAir™ RespiClick® clinical
trials, the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) were
nasopharyngitis, headache, cough, oral candidiasis and upper respiratory
tract infection.
About AirDuoTM RespiClick® (Fluticasone
Propionate and Salmeterol) Inhalation Powder
AirDuo™ RespiClick® is indicated for the treatment of asthma
in patients aged 12 years and older. AirDuo RespiClick is only for
patients uncontrolled on an ICS or whose disease severity clearly
warrants an ICS/LABA.
Important Limitation of Use: AirDuo
RespiClick is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: ASTHMA-RELATED DEATH
-
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists
(LABA), such as salmeterol, one of the active ingredients in AirDuo
RespiClick, increase the risk of asthma-related death. Data from a
large placebo-controlled US trial that compared the safety of
salmeterol with placebo added to usual asthma therapy showed an
increase in asthma-related deaths in subjects receiving salmeterol
(13 deaths out of 13,176 subjects treated for 28 weeks on salmeterol
versus 3 deaths out of 13,179 subjects on placebo). Currently
available data are inadequate to determine whether concurrent use of
inhaled corticosteroids or other long-term asthma control drugs
mitigates the increased risk of asthma-related death from LABA. Available
data from controlled clinical trials suggest that LABA increase the
risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent
patients
-
Therefore, when treating patients with asthma, physicians should
only prescribe AirDuo RespiClick for patients not adequately
controlled on a long-term asthma control medication, such as an
inhaled corticosteroid, or whose disease severity clearly warrants
initiation of treatment with both an inhaled corticosteroid and a
LABA. Once asthma control is achieved and maintained, assess the
patient at regular intervals and step down therapy (e.g., discontinue
AirDuo RespiClick) if possible without loss of asthma control and
maintain the patient on a long-term asthma control medication, such as
an inhaled corticosteroid. Do not use AirDuo RespiClick for patients
whose asthma is adequately controlled on low- or medium-dose inhaled
corticosteroids
-
Contraindications: AirDuo RespiClick is contraindicated in
-
Primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute episodes of
asthma where intensive measures are required
-
Patients with known severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or
known hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate or any of the
excipients
-
Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes: Serious acute
respiratory events, including fatalities, have been reported when
salmeterol, a component of AirDuo RespiClick, has been initiated in
patients with significantly worsening or acutely deteriorating asthma.
AirDuo RespiClick should not be initiated in patients during rapidly
deteriorating or potentially life-threatening episodes of asthma.
AirDuo RespiClick is not indicated for the relief of acute
bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist, not
AirDuo RespiClick, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such as
shortness of breath
-
Excessive Use and Use with Other Long acting Beta2-Agonists:
AirDuo RespiClick should not be used more often than recommended, at
higher doses than recommended, or in conjunction with other medicines
containing LABA, as an overdose may result. Clinically significant
cardiovascular effects and fatalities have been reported in
association with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs.
Patients using AirDuo RespiClick should not use another medicine
containing a LABA (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol fumarate, arformoterol
tartrate, indacaterol) for any reason
-
Local Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids: Oropharyngeal
candidiasis has occurred in patients treated with AirDuo RespiClick.
Advise patients to rinse the mouth with water without swallowing
following inhalation
-
Immunosuppression: Patients who use corticosteroids are at risk
for potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial,
viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex. A more
serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles may occur in
susceptible patients. Use with caution, if at all, in patients with
the above because of the potential for worsening of these infections
-
Transferring Patients from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy:
Particular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from
systemically active corticosteroids to inhaled corticosteroids because
deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with
asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less
systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. Taper patients slowly
from systemic corticosteroids if transferring to AirDuo RespiClick
-
Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression: Because of the
possibility of significant systemic absorption of inhaled
corticosteroids, patients treated with AirDuo RespiClick should be
observed carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid
effects. If such effects occur, the dosage of AirDuo RespiClick should
be reduced slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing
systemic corticosteroids, and for management of asthma symptoms
-
Drug Interactions with Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors:
The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g.,
ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole,
nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with
AirDuo RespiClick is not recommended because increased systemic
corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse effects may occur
-
Paradoxical Bronchospasm and Upper Airway Symptoms: AirDuo
RespiClick can produce paradoxical bronchospasm, which may be
life-threatening. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs following dosing
with inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol medicines, it should be
treated immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator;
inhaled fluticasone propionate/salmeterol medicines should be
discontinued immediately; and alternative therapy should be
instituted. Upper airway symptoms of laryngeal spasm, irritation, or
swelling, such as stridor and choking, have been reported
-
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis: Immediate
hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash,
bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after
administration of AirDuo RespiClick. Discontinue AirDuo RespiClick if
such reactions occur
-
Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Effects: AirDuo
RespiClick should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular
disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and
hypertension. Salmeterol, a component of AirDuo RespiClick, can
produce clinically significant cardiovascular effects in some patients
as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. If such
effects occur, AirDuo RespiClick may need to be discontinued
-
Reduction in Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Decreases in BMD have
been observed with long-term administration of products containing
inhaled corticosteroids. Patients with major risk factors for
decreased bone mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization,
family history of osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can
reduce bone mass (e.g., anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should
be monitored and treated with established standards of care
-
Effect on Growth: Inhaled corticosteroids, including AirDuo
RespiClick, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered
to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients
receiving AirDuo RespiClick routinely (e.g., via stadiometry). Titrate
each patient’s dosage to the lowest dosage that effectively controls
his/her symptoms
-
Glaucoma and Cataracts: Glaucoma, increased intraocular
pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients with asthma
following the long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids,
including fluticasone propionate. Therefore, close monitoring is
warranted in patients with a change in vision or with a history of
increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts
-
Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Systemic
eosinophilic conditions, such as Churg-Strauss syndrome, may occur.
These events usually, but not always, have been associated with the
reduction and/or withdrawal of oral corticosteroid therapy following
the introduction of fluticasone propionate. Be alert to eosinophilia,
vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications,
and/or neuropathy
-
Coexisting Conditions: Use with caution in patients with
convulsive disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis,
and in patients who are unusually responsive to sympathomimetic amines
-
Hypokalemia and Hyperglycemia: Be alert to hypokalemia and
hyperglycemia
-
Adverse Reactions: Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) in
patients taking AirDuo RespiClick 55/14 mcg twice daily, 113/14 mcg
twice daily, 232/14 mcg twice daily, and placebo, respectively, were
nasopharyngitis (8.6%, 4.8%, 6.9%, 4.4%), oral candidiasis (1.6%,
2.2%, 3.4%, 0.7%), back pain (3.1%, 0.7%, 0%, 1.8%), headache (5.5%,
4.8%, 2.8%, 4.4%), and cough (2.3%, 3.7%, 0.7%, 2.6%)
-
Drug Interactions:
-
Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 3A4: The use of strong CYP3A4
inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir,
itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole,
telithromycin) with AirDuo RespiClick is not recommended because
increased systemic corticosteroid and increased cardiovascular adverse
effects may occur
-
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants:
AirDuo RespiClick should be administered with extreme caution to
patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic
antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents,
because the action of salmeterol, a component of AirDuo RespiClick, on
the vascular system may be potentiated by these agents
-
Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blocking Agents: Beta-blockers not
only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as salmeterol,
a component of AirDuo RespiClick, but may also produce severe
bronchospasm in patients with asthma. Therefore, patients with asthma
should not normally be treated with beta-blockers
-
Non-Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: The ECG changes and/or
hypokalemia that may result from the administration of
non–potassium-sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics)
can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, such as salmeterol, a
component of AirDuo RespiClick. Caution is advised in the
coadministration of AirDuo RespiClick with non–potassium-sparing
diuretics
-
Use in Specific Populations: Since both fluticasone propionate
and salmeterol are predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism,
impairment of liver function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone
propionate and salmeterol in plasma. Therefore, patients with hepatic
disease should be closely monitored
Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed
Warning:
http://airduorespiclick.com/assets/pdf/PI.pdf.
Prior to the availability of full Prescribing Information online, a copy
may be requested from the US Medical Information Contact Center for Teva
Specialty Medicines at 888-4-TEVA-RX (888-483-8279) and USMedInfo@tevapharm.com or
Teva’s Public Relations or Investor Relations contacts.
About ArmonAirTM RespiClick®
(Fluticasone Propionate) Inhalation Powder
ArmonAir™ RespiClick® is indicated for the maintenance
treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 12 years of age
and older.
Important Limitation of Use: ArmonAir
RespiClick is NOT indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
-
Contraindications: ArmonAir RespiClick is contraindicated in:
-
the primary treatment of status asthmaticus or other acute
episodes of asthma where intensive measures are required
-
patients with known severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins or
known hypersensitivity to fluticasone propionate or any of the
excipients
-
Local Effects: Oropharyngeal candidiasis has occurred in
patients treated with ArmonAir RespiClick. Advise patients to rinse
the mouth with water without swallowing following inhalation
-
Acute Asthma Episodes: ArmonAir RespiClick is not indicated for
the relief of acute bronchospasm. An inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist,
not ArmonAir RespiClick, should be used to relieve acute symptoms such
as shortness of breath
-
Immunosuppression: Patients on corticosteroids are at risk for
potential worsening of existing tuberculosis; fungal, bacterial,
viral, or parasitic infections; or ocular herpes simplex. A more
serious or even fatal course of chickenpox or measles may occur in
susceptible patients. Use with caution, if at all, in patients with
the above because of the potential for worsening of these infections
-
Transferring Patients from Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy:
Particular care is needed for patients who have been transferred from
systemically active corticosteroids to inhaled corticosteroids because
deaths due to adrenal insufficiency have occurred in patients with
asthma during and after transfer from systemic corticosteroids to less
systemically available inhaled corticosteroids. Slowly taper the dose
of systemic corticosteroids if transferring patients to ArmonAir
RespiClick
-
Hypercorticism and Adrenal Suppression: Because of the
possibility of significant systemic absorption of inhaled
corticosteroids, patients on ArmonAir RespiClick should be observed
carefully for any evidence of systemic corticosteroid effects. If such
effects occur, the dosage of ArmonAir RespiClick should be reduced
slowly, consistent with accepted procedures for reducing systemic
corticosteroids, and for management of asthma symptoms
-
Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis: Immediate
hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, rash,
bronchospasm, hypotension), including anaphylaxis, may occur after
administration of ArmonAir RespiClick. Discontinue ArmonAir RespiClick
if such reactions occur
-
Reduction in Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Decreases in BMD have
been observed with long-term administration of inhaled
corticosteroids. Patients with major risk factors for decreased bone
mineral content, such as prolonged immobilization, family history of
osteoporosis, or chronic use of drugs that can reduce bone mass (e.g.,
anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids) should be monitored and treated
with established standards of care
-
Effect on Growth: Inhaled corticosteroids, including ArmonAir
RespiClick, may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered
to pediatric patients. Monitor the growth of pediatric patients
receiving ArmonAir RespiClick routinely (e.g., via stadiometry).
Titrate to the lowest dosage that effectively controls symptoms
-
Glaucoma and Cataracts: Glaucoma, increased intraocular
pressure, and cataracts have been reported in patients with asthma
following the long-term administration of inhaled corticosteroids,
including fluticasone propionate. Close monitoring is warranted in
patients with a change in vision or with a history of increased
intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts
-
Paradoxical Bronchospasm: Bronchospasm may occur with an
immediate increase in wheezing after dosing and should be treated
immediately with an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator; ArmonAir
RespiClick should be discontinued immediately and alternative therapy
instituted
-
Drug Interactions with Strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors:
The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g.,
ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole,
nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir, ketoconazole, telithromycin) with
ArmonAir RespiClick is not recommended because increased systemic
corticosteroid adverse effects may occur
-
Eosinophilic Conditions and Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Systemic
eosinophilic conditions, such as Churg-Strauss syndrome, may occur.
These events usually, but not always, have been associated with the
reduction and/or withdrawal of oral corticosteroids following the
introduction of fluticasone propionate. Be alert to eosinophilia,
vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications,
and/or neuropathy
-
Adverse Reactions: Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) in
patients taking ArmonAir RespiClick 55 mcg twice daily, 113 mcg twice
daily, 232 mcg twice daily, and placebo, respectively, were
nasopharyngitis (5.4%, 5.8%, 4.8%, 4.4%), upper respiratory tract
infection (5.4%, 4.7%, 5.5%, 4.8%), oral candidiasis (3.1%, 2.9%,
4.8%, 0.7%), headache (1.6%, 7.3%, 4.8%, 4.4%), and cough (1.6%, 1.8%,
3.4%, 2.6%)
-
Drug Interactions: The use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4
(CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin,
indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, saquinavir,
ketoconazole, telithromycin) with ArmonAir RespiClick is not
recommended because increased systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
may occur
-
Use in Specific Populations: Since fluticasone propionate is
predominantly cleared by hepatic metabolism, impairment of liver
function may lead to accumulation of fluticasone propionate in plasma.
Patients with hepatic disease should be closely monitored
Please click here for full Prescribing Information: http://armonairrespiclick.com/assets/pdf/PI.pdf.
Prior to the availability of full Prescribing Information online, a copy
may be requested from the US Medical Information Contact Center for Teva
Specialty Medicines at 888-4-TEVA-RX (888-483-8279) and USMedInfo@tevapharm.com or
Teva’s Public Relations or Investor Relations contacts.
About Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long term) disease usually characterized by airway
inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can vary over time.
Asthma may cause recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when
you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing that
often occurs at night or early in the morning. Without appropriate
treatment, asthma symptoms may become more severe and result in an
asthma attack, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.
About Teva Respiratory
Teva Respiratory develops and delivers high-quality treatment options
for respiratory conditions, including asthma, COPD and allergic
rhinitis. The Teva Respiratory portfolio is centered on optimizing
respiratory treatment for patients and healthcare providers through the
development of novel delivery systems and therapies that help address
unmet needs. The company’s respiratory pipeline and clinical trial
program are based on drug molecules delivered in proprietary dry powder
formulations and breath-activated device technologies, as well as a
targeted biologic treatment for severe asthma. Through research and
clinical development, Teva Respiratory continually works to expand,
strengthen and build upon its treatment portfolio to positively impact
the lives of the millions of patients living with respiratory disease.
About Teva
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a leading
global pharmaceutical company that delivers high-quality,
patient-centric healthcare solutions used by millions of patients every
day. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world’s largest generic
medicines producer, leveraging its portfolio of more than 1,800
molecules to produce a wide range of generic products in nearly every
therapeutic area. In specialty medicines, Teva has a world-leading
position in innovative treatments for disorders of the central nervous
system, including pain, as well as a strong portfolio of respiratory
products. Teva integrates its generics and specialty capabilities in its
global research and development division to create new ways of
addressing unmet patient needs by combining drug development
capabilities with devices, services and technologies. Teva's net
revenues in 2015 were $19.7 billion. For more information, visit www.tevapharm.com.
Teva's Safe Harbor Statement under the U. S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on
management’s current beliefs and expectations and involve a number of
known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our future
results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include risks relating to: our ability to
develop and commercialize additional pharmaceutical products;
competition for our specialty products, especially Copaxone® (which
faces competition from orally-administered alternatives and a generic
version); our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the
acquisition of Allergan plc’s worldwide generic pharmaceuticals business
(“Actavis Generics”), and the timing of realizing such benefits; our
ability to fully and efficiently integrate Actavis Generics and to
achieve the anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities
and growth prospects from the combination; the fact that we are now
dependent to a much larger extent than previously on our generic
pharmaceutical business; our ability to develop and launch new generic
products from the Actavis Generics pipeline on the anticipated
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transactions or incur additional indebtedness as a result of the
substantial amount of debt we have incurred to finance the Actavis
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on hand than prior to the consummation of the Actavis Generics
acquisition, which could adversely affect our ability to grow; our
ability to achieve expected results from investments in our pipeline of
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bid for suitable acquisition targets or licensing opportunities, or to
consummate and integrate acquisitions; the extent to which any
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well as credit risks; the effectiveness of our patents, confidentiality
agreements and other measures to protect the intellectual property
rights of our specialty medicines; the effects of reforms in healthcare
regulation and pharmaceutical pricing, reimbursement and coverage;
competition for our generic products, both from other pharmaceutical
companies and as a result of increased governmental pricing pressures;
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particularly for our specialty pharmaceutical products; adverse effects
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or breaches of our data security; competition for our specialty
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for significant new generic products; potential liability in the
U.S., Europe and other markets for sales of generic products prior to a
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any failure to recruit or retain key personnel, including, in
particular, former Actavis Generics personnel who have transitioned to
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effects of increased leverage and our resulting reliance on access to
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liabilities; the effect on our overall effective tax rate of the
termination or expiration of governmental programs or tax benefits, or
of a change in our business; variations in patent laws that may
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efficient manner; environmental risks; the possibility of additional
adverse consequences arising from our recent FCPA-related settlement
with the U.S. government, including limitations on our conduct of
business in various countries, adverse judgments in shareholder lawsuits
and fines, penalties or other sanctions imposed by government
authorities in other countries; and other factors that are discussed in
our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 and
in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (the SEC). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the
date on which they are made and we assume no obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements or other information, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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