Teva Canada said that it has imported a 4-week supply of Salamol salbutamol (albuterol) sulfate MDIs through Teva UK under an interim order by the Minister of Health in response to shortages of the inhalers in Canada caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Salamol MDIs are marketed by IVAX Pharmaceuticals in the UK; Teva acquired IVAX in 2006.
Health Canada recently issued a notice regarding shortages of salbutamol inhalers, and the interim order allows for temporary importation of drugs in shortage due directly or indirectly to the pandemic. In the US, the FDA has moved to approve new generic albuterol MDIs, noting the increased demand during the pandemic.
Teva Canada General Manager Christine Poulin said, “Salbutamol inhalers are a critical medication that patients are dependent on in order to breathe and we understand their fear about potential shortages. Our ability to reach out to Teva’s international supply chain and secure this critical medication for fellow Canadians, reinforces for us the value of being part of a global pharmaceutical company and hopefully provides peace of mind for patients during these uncertain times.”
Teva Canada Senior Director, Partnerships and Corporate Communications, David Boughner added, “We’re grateful to our in-house team that worked tirelessly to find a way to secure more medication for the patients that need it. While the demand that continues to escalate for salbutamol inhalers due to COVID-19 could not have been anticipated, Teva Canada has demonstrated that at this unprecedented time we remain focused on meeting Canadian patients’ needs.”
Read the Teva Canada press release.
