Abbott launches Factive in Canada

MONTREAL, March 2 (UPI) -- Abbott said Friday it launched the antibiotic Factive in Canada for the treatment of chronic bronchitis.

Oscient, which owns Factive, granted the commercialization rights to Abbott's Canadian affiliate, Abbott Canada, last year. Oscient received a milestone payment for the launch.

Factive, a fluoroquinolone, is intended for the five-day treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

"We are marketing Factive, with its convenient once-daily dosing and short-course therapy, to physicians across Canada with our primary care sales force," said Marcelo Vizio, Abbott Canada's general manager.

Abbott Canada said it plans to pursue additional indications for Factive.