Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Also is Working on Powerful Hydrocodone Painkiller
A second drug company has confirmed it plans to market a new form of the powerful and addictive painkiller hydrocodone, worrying experts who fear a narcotics "arms race" that could worsen a national problem with prescription drug abuse. Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals says its product, TD Hydrocodone, could be worth as much as $500 million annually in sales. The drug is in the final stages of testing, but the company has not yet applied for Food and Drug Administration approval. Four companies have been working to develop pure forms of hydrocodone, the main ingredient in Vicodin, Lortab and other painkillers. They have been mostly quiet about their plans.