Avenacy, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on injectable medications, has launched Propofol Injectable Emulsion, USP in the United States following FDA approval as a therapeutic generic equivalent to the widely used general anesthetic Diprivan. The product will be available for shipping to wholesale partners this week, marking the company's 21st product launch since its inception in October 2023.
The injectable emulsion is approved for multiple clinical applications, including induction of general anesthesia in patients 3 years and older, maintenance of general anesthesia for patients at least 2 months of age, and sedation for adult patients in various clinical scenarios including monitored anesthesia care and regional anesthesia procedures.
According to IQVIA data, Propofol Injectable Emulsion had U.S. sales of approximately $315 million for the twelve months ending December 2024, indicating significant market demand for this critical medication.
Product Specifications and Safety Features
Avenacy's Propofol Injectable Emulsion will be available in three dosage formats: 200 mg/20 mL, 500 mg/50 mL, and 1,000 mg/100 mL single-dose vials. In alignment with the company's stated mission to enhance patient safety, the product features differentiated packaging and labeling designed to support accurate medication selection—a critical consideration for anesthetic agents where administration errors can have serious consequences.
The company emphasized that its global network of development and contract manufacturing partners have successfully passed FDA inspections based on current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards, underscoring their commitment to quality and regulatory compliance.
Clinical Applications and Limitations
The FDA-approved indications for Avenacy's Propofol Injectable Emulsion include:
- Induction of General Anesthesia for Patients ≥ 3 Years of Age
- Maintenance of General Anesthesia for Patients ≥ 2 Months of Age
- Initiation and Maintenance of Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) Sedation in Adult Patients
- Sedation for Adult Patients in Combination with Regional Anesthesia
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Sedation of Intubated, Mechanically Ventilated Adult Patients
However, the product carries important limitations. It is not recommended for anesthesia induction in children under 3 years or for maintenance of anesthesia in infants younger than 2 months due to unestablished safety and efficacy profiles in these populations. Additionally, the medication is not indicated for MAC sedation in pediatric patients or for pediatric ICU sedation, as safety guidelines for these applications have not been established.
Company Background
Avenacy describes itself as a U.S.-based specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on supplying critical injectable medications used across various healthcare settings, from acute care hospitals to outpatient facilities. The company's business model centers on building a resilient portfolio of FDA-approved injectable products to meet the needs of the drug supply chain.
The launch of Propofol Injectable Emulsion represents a significant addition to Avenacy's growing product line, particularly given the medication's widespread use in surgical and intensive care settings. With this launch, the company continues to expand its presence in the specialty pharmaceutical market, with a particular emphasis on injectable medications that play critical roles in patient care.
