Morepen Lab shares soar 20 pc on USFDA nod for asthma drug

Shares of Morepen Laboratories today zoomed 20 per cent after the company said the US health regulator has given approval to Montelukast Sodium, used in managing asthma symptoms and seasonal allergies, for sale in the US market.
The stock skyrocketed 20 per cent to end at Rs 30.30 -- its 52-week high -- and also hit the upper circuit limit on the BSE.
On NSE, shares of the company soared 19.88 per cent to close at Rs 30.15.
"The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has cleared Montelukast Sodium, a bulk drug/API manufactured by Morepen Laboratories, for sale in the US market," the company said in a regulatory filing.

"This gives Morepen an entry into the Rs 2,000 crore (approximately USD 300 million) US market for Montelukast. The first commercial orders for the bulk drug are expected in the second quarter of the next financial year," it added.
Morepen is the market leader for Montelukast in India with over 50 per cent market share, supplying to almost all major finished dosage manufacturers in India, it said.