Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company, has launched ceftazidime for injection, USP, a semisynthetic broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic.

Sagent will offer ceftazidime in 1 and 2g single dose vials and 6g pharmacy bulk package vials. According to IMS data, 2007 sales of injectable amiodarone in the United States were approximately $45.7 million.

Ceftazidime for Injection, USP is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including infections of the lower respiratory tract; skin and skin-structure; urinary tract; bone and joint; and central nervous system. Ceftazidime is also indicated for bacterial septicemia, gynaecologic infections, and intra-abdominal infections. Sagent's ceftazidime is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline's Fortaz

"Sagent is proud to be providing tools to the healthcare community that have the potential to help reduce medical errors," said Jeffrey M. Yordon, chief executive officer, founder, and chairman of the board of Sagent. "We are excited to make important products like ceftazidime available with exciting innovations, such as easy-to-read dosage strengths and precise lettering on vial labels that are intended to promote patient safety."

Sagent's introduction of ceftazidime to the US market is the sixth product launched from Sagent's pipeline of more than 200 products this year.

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2006, is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, sourcing and marketing pharmaceutical products, with a specific emphasis on injectable products.