Sandoz has launched the first fully substitutable generic for Genentech’s Esbriet® (pirfenidone) tablets. Esbriet is also available in capsule form, for which there is currently no generic.

• Esbriet and its generic are indicated to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare disease that causes scarring of the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• The recommended starting dose is 267mg three times daily for Days 1-7. This is then titrated to 534mg three times daily on Days 8-14, before being increased to a maintenance dose of 801mg three times daily from Day 15 onward. Pirfenidone should be taken with food.
• Sandoz’s generic is available at a wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) of $9,130.57 per 30-day supply, while the WAC for a 30-day supply of brand name Esbriet tablets is $10,449.43.