Dava pharmaceuticals is a subsidiary of Endo International plc an American Irish-domiciled generics and specialty branded pharmaceutical company. In 2014, Endo International reached a $575 million agreement to acquire DAVA Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held company specializing in marketed, pre-launch, and pipeline generic pharmaceuticals.
The Company got an FDA warning letter for some infractions related to its products. A copy of the letter is reproduced below;
October 13, 2009
WARNING LETTER
John Klein Chief Executive Officer
Dava International Inc.
Parker Plaza
400 Kelby Street, 10′” Floor
Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024
Products: Codeine Sulfate Tablets, 30 mg
Dear Mr. Klein:
This letter is written in reference to your fimm’s marketing of an unapproved new drug in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act). Based on the information your firm submitted to FDA’s Drug Registration and Listing System, you distribute the following prescription drug:
- Codeine Sulfate Tablets, 30 mg
As labeled, the above product is a drug within the meaning of section 20 1(g)(1)(B) and (C) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 321(g)(1)(B) and (C)] because it is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease and because it is intended to affect the structure or function of the body. Further, this drug product as distributed by your firm is a “new drug” within the meaning of section 201(p) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 321(p)] because it is not generally recognized as safe and effective for the conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in its labeling. Under sections 301(d) and 505(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 331(d) and 355(a)], a new drug may not be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce unless an application approved by FDA under either section 505(b) or (j) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 355(b) or (j)] is in effect for the drug product. Based upon our information, there is no FDA-approved application on file for the above drug product. The marketing of this product without an approved application constitutes a violation of these provisions of the Act.
Additionally, because the above prescription drug product is intended for conditions that are not amenable to self-diagnosis and treatment by individuals who are not medical practitioners, adequate directions cannot be written for them so that a layman can use this product safely for its intended uses, as described in 21 C.F.R. § 21.115. Consequently, its labeling fails to bear adequate directions for its intended uses, causing it to be misbranded under section 502(f)(1) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 352(f)(1)]. Because your product lacks the required approved application, it is not exempt under 21 C.F.R. § 201.115 from the requirements of section 502(f)(1) of the Act. The introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of this product without an approved new drug application therefore violates sections 301(a) and (d) of the Act [21 U.S.C. §§ 331(a) and (d)].
As described in the guidance entitled “Marketed Unapproved Drugs – Compliance Policy Guide” 1 the Agency may exercise its enforcement discretion and identify a period of time during which the Agency does not intend to initiate an enforcement action against a currently marketed unapproved drug. FDA does not intend to initiate enforcement actions related to the shipment in interstate commerce of this product unless it is still being shipped more than 180 days after the date of this letter.
You should be aware that FDA’s enforcement discretion will not apply to the following circumstances: (1) if FDA determines that your firm is violating other provisions of the Act; (2) if it appears that your firm, in response to this letter, increases its distribution of your unapproved product, Codeine Sulfate Tablets 30 mg, above your usual volume during these periods; or (3) if FDA learns of new information regarding any serious health risk or hazard associated with codeine sulfate drug products.
The violations cited in this letter are not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of violations that exist in connection with your products. You are responsible for investigating and determining the causes of the violations identified above and for preventing their recurrence or the occurrence of other violations. It is your responsibility to assure that your firm complies with all requirements of Federal law and FDA regulations.
You should take prompt action to correct the violations cited in this letter. Failure to promptly correct these violations may result in legal action without further notice, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction. Other Federal agencies may take this Warning Letter into account when considering the award of contracts.
Within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing regarding whether you plan to cease the violative activities described in this letter. If you no longer market the product referenced in this letter, your response should so indicate, including the reasons that, and the date on which, you ceased distribution. Additionally, if another firm manufactures the product identified above, your reply should include the name and address of the manufacturer. If the firm from which you receive this product is not the manufacturer, please include the name of your supplier in addition to the manufacturer.
Your response to this letter should be directed to the attention of Ms. Astrid Lopez-Goldberg, Regulatory Counsel, at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Compliance, W051 RM 5368, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993.
Sincerely,
/S/
Michael M. Levy, Jr., Esq.
Director
Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance
Office of Compliance Food and Drug Administration
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