Novopharm ranitidine will reach market 16 days prior to Zantac expiration; acyclovir generics enter April 23.

NOVOPHARM FORM 1 RANITIDINE WILL REACH U.S. MARKET ON JULY 10, 16 days prior to the expiration of Zantac patent protection, pursuant to a licensing agreement between Novopharm and Glaxo Wellcome announced on April 24. Glaxo Wellcome's form 1 ranitidine patent expires on July 25. The exclusive agreement allows Novopharm to begin manufacturing ranitidine at its Wilson, N.C. plant on June 3, "allowing ample time to produce enough quantities to satisfy the anticipated demand for the product," the generics firm said.