Akorn, Inc, a niche generic pharmaceutical company, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of the company’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) supplement for Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment USP 3.5 g. The company intends to begin shipping the product immediately.

Raj Rai, the Interim chief executive officer of Akorn stated, "We identified an opportunity to re-launch Erythromycin as ongoing market shortages have made this an attractive product which is complimentary to the other ophthalmic ointments Akorn currently sells."

According to IMS Health, the annualized US sales for Erythromycin 3.5 g based on fourth quarter 2009 data, were approximately US$ 26 million.

Akorn, Inc. is a niche pharmaceutical company engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of multisource and branded pharmaceuticals. Akorn has manufacturing facilities located in Decatur, Illinois and Somerset, New Jersey where the Company manufactures ophthalmic and injectable pharmaceuticals.