The generic version of Novartis’ Exelon (rivastigmine) for the treatment of patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease has been released in the UK.

Teva’s rivastigmine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia and symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

Kim Innes, Commercial Director at Teva, said the launch of the medication would help save the NHS £9bn each year through its continued used of generic alternatives.

“So far this year, we’ve launched 20 new products, including ten day-one patent expiries, which is good for pharmacy because new products provide opportunities for increasing margins and keeping costs down,” she said.

Charity Alzheimer’s Research UK estimates that treating dementia in the UK costs around £23bn each year.

Novartis Europharm has withdrawn its application to extend the therapeutic indications of Exelon and Prometax from the EMA.

The company had hoped to extend the use of the transdermal patches for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.

However, in its official letter to the EMA, Novartis said it was unable to provide the data required within the timeframe allowed.

Exelon was first authorised for use in the EU on 12 May 1998. Its duplicate Prometax was first authorised in December that year.

They are both currently indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia.

The EMA says that both medicines continue to be authorised in the currently approved indication, and that the withdrawal does not prejudice the possibility of a company making a new application at a later stage.