Ranbaxy launches generic drug in US market

Drug firm Ranbaxy Laboratories today launched a generic version of Caduet, used for treating cardio vascular diseases, in the US market, as part of an agreement with Pfizer Inc.

The company's wholly-owned subsidiary Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc has launched generic Caduet indicated for patients suffering from both high-blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, Ranbaxy said in a statement.

The Gurgaon-based firm, however, did not disclose the terms of the agreement with Pfizer.

Ranbaxy, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, America Venkat Krishnan said: "Atorvastatin-Amlodipine besylate tablet is a significant and important addition to our portfolio of cardio-vascular products, in the US."

Caduet presently marketed by Pfizer is a fixed-dose combination of Atorvastatin-Amlodipine besylate which also contains a crystalline form of Atorvastatin, Ranbaxy said.

According to IMS-MAT September 2011, Caduet generated total annual sales of $339 million in the US, it added.

The company is making available the full range of the generic version of Caduet, the company said.

Ranbaxy Laboratories, last week launched a generic version of blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor, which is also a Pfizer brand, in the US market.

Ranbaxy, a part of the Daiichi Sankyo Group, has presence in 125 countries with operations in 46 countries.