Teva has announced an ambitious plan to boost its stable of branded medicines with the launch of an innovative product every year between 2009 and 2015.

Teva is currently the world’s biggest generic manufacturer, but has two brandname products, including Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) for multiple sclerosis that accounts for around 17% of total group sales, and Azilect (rasagiline) for Parkinson’s disease, which was launched in the USA in July.

Alongside its strategy of growth by acquisition in the generics sector, Teva now has a series of compounds and line extension in development in the areas of neurology, inflammatory disease and cancer, including: a high-dose formulation of Copaxone; laquinimod, a biological response modifier currently in Phase II testing that it hopes to launch for MS in 2011; ladostigil tartrate for Alzheimer’s disease, in Phase II trials and offering a triple mechanism of action (monoamine oxidase inhibition, cholinesterase inhibition and neuroprotection); and talampanel, a glutamate receptor antagonist in Phase II for epilepsy.

The Israeli drugmaker said it plans to spend around $500 million on R&D in 2006.

- Meanwhile, Teva announced a collaboration and licensing agreement for the development and manufacture of two protein-based drugs using a plant cell culture technology developed by Protalix Biotherapeutics. “We believe that accessing Protalix's plant cell culture platform will provide Teva with various advantages, including IP advantages and reduced cost of goods," said the company in a statement.