NEW YORK — Lannett Co. and Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC have launched the first generic versions of Abilify oral solution (aripiprazole 1 mg/ml), Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s antidepressant drug.

Amneal’s generic version of Abilify oral solution

Lannett said Tuesday that its Silarx Pharmaceuticals subsidiary received Food and Drug Administration for its generic version of Abilify oral solution. “Our generic aripiprazole 1 mg/ml oral solution product is one of two to be approved by the FDA. Shipping of this important medication has commenced,” stated Arthur Bedrosian, chief executive officer of Lannett. “This approval is the first from our recently completed acquisition of Silarx.”

Amneal, which announced the rollout of its aripiprazole 1 mg/ml oral solution late Tuesday, said its generic product will allow prescribers to continue writing for the recently discontinued reference brand. The company’s product is now shipping in 150 ml (5 fluid ounce) bottles through wholesalers, distributors and directly to the trade.

“Health care providers can now continue prescribing a therapy they are comfortable with and in a form certain patients require,” according to Jim Luce, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Amneal. “It’s a product that would otherwise be unavailable if not for the generic equivalent.”

U.S. sales of aripiprazole oral solution totaled $62.8 million for the year ended in June 2015, according to IMS Health data reported by Amneal.