Leiner Acquires Granutec Assets

CARSON, Calif.--Leiner Health Products, manufacturer and distributor of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, recently completed its purchase of most of the assets of Granutec, also a distributor of private label OTC drugs. The acquisition makes Leiner the second largest supplier of private label OTC products in the United States.

"Granutec's assets dramatically expand our prime manufacturing capabilities," said Gale Bensussen, Leiner's president. "Leiner now has a stronger R&D, new product and "Abbreviated New Drug Application" (ANDA) capability." According to Bensussesn, the company will continue to focus on solid dosage forms including analgesics, cough/cold, antacid and laxatives.

Granutec's products include ANDA pharmaceutical products that are manufactured as alternatives to major label brands. Those include Ranitidine, which is marketed as an alternative to Zantac 75; Naproxen, marketed as an alternative to Aleve; and Ibuprofen, which competes against Advil.