The History of Roxane Laboratories
Roxane Laboratories, Inc. began its long history in Columbus, Ohio, in 1885, under the original name Columbus Pharmacal Company. The company's trajectory involved several key ownership changes over the next century, each one shaping its identity and product focus. In 1959, Philips of the Netherlands acquired the company, renaming it Philips Roxane. Later, in 1978, the German pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim took ownership, and the name was streamlined to Roxane Laboratories, Inc..
For many years, Roxane was a leader in the generic pharmaceutical market, with a strong focus on niche products and alternative dosage forms. This included pioneering unit-dose packaging for hospitals and developing concentrated solutions known as 'Intensols'. The company's diverse product portfolio served a wide range of medical needs, from cardiovascular and pain management to oncology and respiratory care.
The Hikma Acquisition and End of an Era
The chapter of Roxane Laboratories as an independent entity concluded in 2016 when the company was acquired by Hikma Pharmaceuticals, a multinational pharmaceutical group based in London. The $2.65 billion deal was a strategic move by Hikma to significantly expand its footprint in the U.S. generics market. Following the acquisition, Hikma integrated Roxane's manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio into its US operations, ending the Roxane Laboratories brand name. This event is crucial for anyone seeking out a medication by the brand name 'Roxane,' as new versions of the products are now sold under the Hikma brand or are discontinued.
Noteworthy Medications from Roxane Laboratories
While Roxane Laboratories produced a vast array of generics, certain products became particularly well-known, including several potent opioid medications. These specific brand names are what most people are referring to when they ask about 'Roxane medicine.'
Roxanol (Morphine Sulfate)
One of Roxane's most recognized brand names was Roxanol, a highly concentrated oral solution of morphine sulfate.
- Usage: Roxanol was primarily prescribed for managing severe, chronic pain, often in terminal patients or for breakthrough pain in individuals with cancer.
- Formulation: As a liquid, it was designed for quick absorption and relatively rapid pain relief.
- Risks: Like all opioid medications, Roxanol carried significant risks, including tolerance, physical dependence, and potential for abuse. Overdose was a serious risk, especially when mixed with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol.
Roxicodone (Oxycodone Hydrochloride)
Another well-known product from Roxane was Roxicodone, an immediate-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride.
- Usage: It was used for managing moderate to severe pain where an opioid analgesic was deemed appropriate.
- Strength: Oxycodone is a powerful opioid, noted to be stronger than morphine.
- Risks: Roxicodone was a Schedule II controlled substance, carrying a significant risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. The product also came with a boxed warning regarding serious risks, including respiratory depression.
The Modern Context of the "Roxane" Name
Today, the name 'Roxane' can also be found in a completely different context, primarily as a nutritional supplement. For instance, Pharma Line, an Italian company, markets a dietary supplement named Roxane specifically for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
This supplement contains ingredients like myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, L-carnitine, and various vitamins, and its purpose is entirely unrelated to the pain medications formerly produced by Roxane Laboratories. This clear distinction is vital to prevent confusion and misuse, especially given the history of the name with potent opioids.
What is Roxane Medicine? A Brand Name Comparison
To better understand the different meanings of 'Roxane medicine,' here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between the historical pharmaceutical brands and the modern supplement.
| Feature | Roxanol (Former Roxane Laboratories) | Roxicodone (Former Roxane Laboratories) | Roxane Supplement (Pharma Line) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Opioid analgesic (Controlled Substance) | Opioid analgesic (Controlled Substance) | Food supplement (Not a drug) |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Morphine Sulfate | Oxycodone Hydrochloride | Myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, L-carnitine, Vitamins B12, D, E, Folate, Selenium |
| Primary Use | Severe, chronic pain management | Moderate to severe pain management | Hormonal and metabolic support for women with PCOS |
| Form | Highly concentrated oral solution | Oral tablets and liquid concentrate | Oral soluble stick pack |
| Manufacturer | Formerly Roxane Laboratories; now part of Hikma | Formerly Roxane Laboratories; now part of Hikma | Pharma Line (Italy) |
| Addiction Potential | High | High | None |
| Regulatory Status | Schedule II controlled substance | Schedule II controlled substance | Varies by country, typically not regulated as a drug |
Key Takeaways
Roxane refers to a former US generic pharmaceutical company: Roxane Laboratories was a major manufacturer of generic drugs until its acquisition in 2016.
Roxane manufactured opioid medications: The company was known for brand-name opioids like Roxanol (morphine) and Roxicodone (oxycodone), which are powerful, controlled substances.
The company was acquired by Hikma Pharmaceuticals: The former Roxane brand and assets were purchased by Hikma in 2016, and the Roxane Laboratories name no longer exists.
The name 'Roxane' is also used for a modern supplement: A distinct product line, primarily a food supplement for women with PCOS, uses the 'Roxane' name, causing potential confusion.
It is not a single medicine: When people ask "What is Roxane medicine?", they are often referring to a specific medication formerly made by the company, not a single drug named 'Roxane.'
Conclusion
The phrase "Roxane medicine" is a reference to a bygone era of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Roxane Laboratories, once a leading US generic drug producer, no longer exists under that name, having been absorbed into Hikma Pharmaceuticals. Its legacy, however, is carried by the products it once made, particularly potent opioids like Roxanol and Roxicodone. The potential for confusion is significant today, as the name 'Roxane' is also used by an unrelated company for a dietary supplement. Therefore, it is critical for consumers and healthcare professionals to understand the difference between the historical pharmaceutical brands and the modern nutritional product when encountering the name.
