Ranbaxy granted approval to manufacture Atenolol

Ranbaxy Laboratories has announced that the Company has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manufacture and market Atenolol Tablets USP, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

The Office of Generic Drugs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has determined the Ranbaxy formulations to be bioequivalent and have the same therapeutic effect as that of the reference listed drug Tenormin(R) of AstraZeneca LP. Total annual market sales for Atenolol were $133.6 million (IMS - MAT: September 2006).

Atenolol is indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents, particularly with a thiazide-type diuretic. Atenolol is also indicated for the long-term management of patients with angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerosis and is also indicated in the management of hemodynamically stable patients with definite or suspected acute myocardial infarction to reduce cardiovascular mortality.

"We are pleased to receive this final FDA approval to market Atenolol tablets. This will further expand our product portfolio of affordable generic alternatives to the brand in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. This approval is the result of a strategic alliance with Ipca Laboratories Ltd. of Mumbai, India, who will develop a number of generic prescription pharmaceutical products which will be marketed by RPI in the U.S. in the future following U.S. FDA approval. RPI labeled Atenolol tablets will be made available to our customers in the U.S. healthcare system during first quarter 2007," according to Jim Meehan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for RPI, USA.