The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this evening that it has approved the first generic version of Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine). The approval means that the generic version can now be sold in the U.S.

The generic drug will be made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.  According to the company, the generic version will be available as of the fourth quarter of this year.  Since Teva is the first company to apply for FDA approval of the generic form of Combivir, Teva will be given 180 days to exclusively market the generic drug,  after which other generic versions can be marketed.

The branded drug Combivir is marketed by ViiV Healthcare, a joint venture of GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer.

For a list of other approved generic anti-HIV medications, please see the FDA website.