FDA OKs Warner Chilcott Osteoporosis Drug

Irish drug developer Warner Chilcott PLC said Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its new drug for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Irish drug developer Warner Chilcott PLC said Monday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its new drug for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The company expects it will begin making the delayed-release drug available in the U.S. commercially early next year under the name Atelvia.

Warner Chilcott said Atelvia is the next generation of its popular osteoporosis drug Actonel, which it acquired when it bought Procter & Gamble Co.’s global branded prescription drug business for $3.1 billion last year.

"We believe the dosing convenience of Atelvia sets it apart from other treatment options for osteoporosis patients and provides an opportunity to regain market share in the U.S. in this segment," said Roger Boissonneault, Warner Chilcott’s president and chief executive.

Shares of Warner Chilcott slipped 10 cents to $23.78 in aftermarket trading after rising $1.60, or 7.2 percent, to $23.88 during the regular session.