Teva CFS Book English

46 From the Technion in Haifa to the OSD Plant in Kfar Saba Similar to the story of Copaxone development, the initial development of the drug occurred in one of the places with the highest concentration of Israeli minds, this time - at the Technion. The next steps occurred at Teva’s innovative R&D, which took the baton from the Technion and conducted numerous trials that resulted in the drug in its final formulation. The production stage was relatively simple since it did not require the implementation of a new technology at the plant. While Copaxone was manufactured at the Sterile Plant, Azilect was manufactured at the OSD Plant in Kfar Saba and marketed from there to the entire world. Menny Meirom, who served as the Manager of the Supply Chain of the plants in Jerusalem and Kfar Saba since 2004 recounts: “With an innovative drug, in contrast to a generic drug, the scaling up process was done even before the product was submitted for approval with the authorities. Therefore the plant, the Production Department, and T&SA were involved in the Azilect project at earlier stages than with a generic launch, and they knew to prepare the plant accordingly. The Azilect project manager was Shahar Magen, and then the Supply Chain, which handled branded products, coordinated the project and prepared for the launch”. 40 countries worldwide, 400 million dollars Azilect significantly improves the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients thanks to a reduction in tremors and muscle stiffness, which enable better movement with less damage to posture and balance. It was recently proven in an international and broad scope study that Azilect is the first and only drug that manages to both slow the progression of the disease among Parkinson’s patients, and delay its development . Every big success starts with a small step. Since there was a need to penetrate the market, the plant initially manufactured only 3-4 million Azilect tablets a year, a tiny amount compared to the 100 million tablets currently manufactured every year. Azilect sales gradually increased and currently stand at around 400 million dollars, thanks to marketing to around 40 countries worldwide. Giving hope to Parkinson’s patients In the early 2000s Teva led the global generic industry, but the breakthrough achieved with the success of Copaxone - the first innovative drug, created a feeling of competence in this challenging domain as well. Results were soon to follow, and in March 2004 a new innovative drug called Rasagiline, or its brand name Azilect was launched, designed to treat one of the most severe disease - Parkinson’s (see frame).