Hospira has announced the US re-launch of oxaliplatin injection, a generic version of Sanofi's chemotherapy medication Eloxatin.

Hospira will initially offer the solution form of oxaliplatin injection in 50mg and 100mg single-use vials, indicated to treat colon and colorectal cancer.

Hospira specialty pharmaceuticals, vice president Joshua Gordon said, "We're excited to once again be able to provide this critical oncology drug to our patients and customers."

Hospira originally launched oxaliplatin injection in August 2009 following a favorable ruling in patent litigation with Sanofi.

Under an agreement which called for the eventual suspension of Hospira's sales at the end of June 2010, Hospira settled the litigation with Sanofi with the right to re-launch the product well in advance of patent expiry.

Hospira's therapeutic areas include analgesia, anesthesia, anti-infectives, cardiovascular, oncology and other areas. Hospira's SIP portfolio also includes in-licensed products, such as Precedex (dexmedetomidine HCl), a proprietary sedation agent.