Fresenius Kabi intros generic Visipaque

Fresenius Kabi is unveiling a portfolio of generic contrast media agents in the United States, starting immediately with the launch of iodixanol injection, which is the generic of GE Healthcare's Visipaque.

Iodixanol injection is the first FDA-approved generic iso-osmolar, dimeric iodinated contrast media agent, which is used during diagnostic x-ray-based imaging such as computed tomography scans, the company said. 

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“Fresenius Kabi is pleased to help expand access to affordable, high-quality contrast media agents for the radiology community,” said John Ducker, president and CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA. “The approval and U.S. availability of Fresenius Kabi Iodixanol Injection is expected to provide immediate relief to the current shortage. As a company committed to the purpose of ‘caring for life,’ we’re honored to help patients receive the timely care they need.”

Contrast media agents are essential to patient diagnosis. An estimated 50 million examinations with contrast agents are performed each year in the United States, and as many as half the nation’s hospitals have been affected by this shortage, the company said.

“The U.S. availability of iodixanol injection is the first offering from our generic radiology portfolio,” said Lindsey Thomas, senior vice president of pharmaceutical marketing at Fresenius Kabi USA and the company’s representative on the End Drug Shortage Alliance Board of Directors.

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“We are doing everything we can to accelerate product availability to help our customers during this acute contrast media agent shortage, including air shipping product. We are also actively working to bring additional affordable contrast agents to U.S. clinicians to help ensure patient access to essential diagnostic imaging procedures,” said Thomas. 

Fresenius Kabi's iodixanol injection is an option for hospitals and clinics to use in the diagnosis of certain disorders of the brain, blood vessels, heart, kidneys and other internal organs.

It is free of preservatives and comes in a polymer bottle. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Fresenius Kabi iodixanol injection is currently available in six presentations for intra-arterial and intravenous procedures.