Cadila launches Parkinson's generic drug in the US market

Drug firm Cadila Healthcare today said it has launched generic Pramipexole tablets, used for treating Parkinson's disease, in the American market.

The company's subsidiary Zydus Cadila has launched the Pramipexole tablets in the strengths of of 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 1.5 mg, Cadila Healthcare said in a filing to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The sale of Pramipexole tablets in 2010 is estimated to be $632 million according to healthcare information solutions company NDC Health, Cadila said.

Pramipexole's patent, which has expired, was held by German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim.

Parkinson''s disease is a progressive disorder marked by muscle rigidity, weakness, shaking, tremor, and eventually difficulty in walking and talking.

Cadila has 56 approvals and has filed for 113 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) before the US health regulator.

Shares of Cadila Healthcare were trading at Rs 695 on the BSE in the afternoon trade up 0.86 per cent from its previous close.