Biovail launches Wellbutrin XL in Canada

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., April 12 - Biovail Corp. said that Wellbutrin XL, the once-daily extended-release formulation of bupropion hydrochloride for the treatment of depression in adults, has been approved and launched in the Canadian market.

Wellbutrin XL (150 mg, 300 mg) is being marketed and distributed by Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada (BPC), the Canadian sales and marketing division of Biovail Corp., according to a company news release.

"The favorable side-effect profile of Wellbutrin XL is due to its unique dual-mode of action on norepinephrine and dopamine," vice president and general manager of BPC Doug Herman said.

"As the only first-line anti-depressant that does not affect serotonin, Wellbutrin XL has a low risk of sexual dysfunction, weight gain and somnolence."

Wellbutrin XL is typically not associated with adverse effects common to agents that affect serotonin, such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain and somnolence, officials said.

Since it was launched in the United States in September 2003 by Biovail's marketing partner GlaxoSmithKline, Wellbutrin XL has captured 7.4% of the U.S. anti-depressant market.

For the month ended Feb. 28, Biovail said Wellbutrin XL captured 57.9% of new prescriptions written for the Wellbutrin brand, including generics.

The Canadian depression market is estimated at C$770 million. Depression affects an estimated 5%, or 1.45 million, Canadians.

Biovail is a specialty pharmaceutical company located in Toronto.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.