GENZYME CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE ANDA APPROVED

GENZYME CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE ANDA APPROVED, the Boston, Mass.-based company announced in a Nov. 4 press release. The hospital infection antibiotic will be the first product to be manufactured at Genzyme's new pharmaceutical production facility in Haverhill, England. Genzyme plans to manufacture and distribute the antibiotic immediately. Previously, Genzyme has produced nicofuranose in bulk for one pharmaceutical manufacturer. FDA began approving ANDAs for generic clindamycin in 1987. "The U.S. market for bulk clindamycin is $ 35-40 million annually," the press release states. "Finished product sales are approximately $ 200 million." Upjohn's Cleocin brand, however, has been declining in sales sharply in the past year, probably lowering the full market estimate. The biotech firm has predicted that the new manufacturing facility would generate sales exceeding $ 11 mil. in 1988, with exports accounting for 85% of the revenue ("The Pink Sheet" Sept. 19, "In Brief"). Genzyme also has production facilities in Cambridge, Mass. and Madistone, England. To reach that level, the company would have to have two very strong final months in 1988.