CASTLEFORD, England, October 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Teva UK Limited, the UK's leading manufacturer of generic medicines, has today commented on the Department of Health's (DH) decision not to implement generic substitution in primary care.

Although deciding not to go ahead with generic substitution as the original proposals stood, DH has indicated that it will be looking at further ways to support the use of generic medicines in a way that is acceptable to patients, recognising that there are still some savings that can potentially be delivered in this area.(1)

Says Richard Daniell, Commercial Operations Officer at Teva: Teva is fully supportive of DH's aim to increase access to affordable medicines by encouraging cost-effective generic prescribing as an equivalent alternative to branded prescribing where there is no clinical reason not to do so.

Generic medicines maintain the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as the originator brand at an average of 20% of the cost, and deliver GBP8.6 billion of savings to the NHS each year.(2)

Adds Richard: To continue to prescribe by brand where there is an equivalent clinically proven and cost-effective alternative prevents NHS funds being used in other ways. As the UK's leading manufacturer of generic medicines, Teva would welcome the opportunity to work with DH to help maximise generic contribution to the NHS and save the UK tax payer even more.

To find out more about Teva, visit http://www.tevauk.com.

References:

(1) DH website http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Responsestoconsultations/DH_120431 -14/10/10

(2) BGMA Press Release 14/10/2010

About Teva UK Limited

Teva UK Limited is one of the UK's top ten pharmaceutical manufacturers, with a presence in the generics, branded respiratory and hospitals markets. It has the widest range of any UK generic pharmaceutical company and markets solid and liquid dose, injectable and respiratory medicines to healthcare professionals. The company is part of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

About Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is a leading global pharmaceutical company, committed to increasing access to high-quality healthcare by developing, producing and marketing affordable generic drugs as well as innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world's largest generic drug maker, with a global product portfolio of more than 1,250 molecules and a direct presence in 59 countries.

Teva's branded businesses focus on neurological, respiratory and women's health therapeutic areas as well as biologics. Teva's leading innovative product, Copaxone(R), is the number one prescribed treatment for multiple sclerosis. Teva employs over 40,000 people around the world and reached $13.9 billion in net sales in 2009.

SOURCE: Teva UK Ltd

CONTACT: For media enquiries, contact the Teva UK Limited Communicationsteam on +44(0)1977-628500, or email media.enquiries@tevauk.com.