Ranbaxy launches breast cancer drug in 3 countries

Drug firm Ranbaxy Laboratories today said it has launched Letrozole tablets, used in the treatment of breast cancer, in the UK, Romania and France after the expiry of the patent held by Novartis.

The company has launched Letrozole tablets, the bio-equivalent of Novartis's Femara, in a strength of 2.5 mg, Ranbaxy Laboratories said in a statement.

Commenting on the launch, Ranbaxy Europe Regional Director Debashis Dasgupta said: "We are pleased to introduce Letrozole at the earliest available opportunity in UK, Romania and France with a view to broadening access to medication."

The product would be offered through pharmacies, retail and wholesale stores with immediate effect and will benefit the healthcare system in these EU markets, he added.

"Ranbaxy's subsidiary companies Ranbaxy (UK), Terapia Ranbaxy and Ranbaxy Pharmacie Generiques will be marketing this product in the UK, Romania and France, respectively," the company said.

According to IMS data, Novartis' Femara drug registered sales of $58 million in the UK in 2010. The drug witnessed sales of $95 million in France and $5.5 million in Romania, it said.

Shares of Ranbaxy Laboratories were being quoted at Rs 542.20 on the Bombay Stock Exchange in late afternoon trade, down 0.12% from its previous close.