Ranbaxy Us Arm Reaches A Milestone

Ohm Laboratories Inc, a fully owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories in the US, has achieved a commercial milestone with the first inter-state shipment in the US of Advil cold and sinus tablets on October 8. The shipment was made by Ohm Laboratories's marketing partner, Perrigo of Allegan, Michigan. Perrigo is the largest store brand marketer in the US.

Advil, an ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine combination product is used for the treatment of nasal congestion, headache, fever, body aches and pain, is a brand owned by Whitehall Laboratories. The brand clocked retail sales in excess of $50 million during the year 2000.

A release put out by Ranbaxy says that Advil has been granted the topmost "AB" rating which ensures that all top drug stores of the US would stock the product. "These drug stores account for a substantial chunk of the sales of the branded generics in the US," sources told Business Standard.

Since Ohm Laboratories was the first to file an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for this product, it has six-month exclusivity to market the brand. "As of today, all major outlets, including retail pharmacies, food combination outlets and mass merchandisers, have now taken this product into inventory with sales anticipated to be available to consumers starting by the month end," the release said.

The package will be packaged in blisters of 10s and sold in 20 and 40 count packs that will emulate the packages available from the innovator. In April 2001, Ohm Laboratories announced its approval from the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to market ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets.

"The company formed an strategic alliance with Perrigo to optimise the commercial value of this name brand equivalent. As per the partnership established, Ohm Laboratories will manufacture ibuprofen and psuedoephedrine tablets and Perrigo will market and distribute the product," the release added.

Ohm Laboratories reported sales of $21.1 million and a profit after tax of $0.7 million during 2000.