Ranbaxy launches first generic Atorvastatin in Malaysia

New Delhi, Sep 27 (UNI) Ranbaxy Malaysia Sdn Bhd (RMSB), wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories, today launched its first generic drug Atorvastatin under the brand name 'Storvas' in Malaysia.

The product, to be sold in dosage forms of 10mg, 20mg and 40mg, will be made available through all major general practitioners, pharmacies and hospitals in Malaysia.

''Ranbaxy is proud to be the first company to launch the generic alternatives of Atorvastatin and Oseltamivir in Malaysia. It is our constant endeavour to offer affordable and safe generics of high quality to the patients in Malaysia and provide support to the government's healthcare plan,'' RMSB Managing Director T Jeyabalan said.

The company has received approvals from the Drugs Control Authority of Malaysia to manufacture and market the products, which are being produced at Ranbaxy's facility in Malaysia.

In July this year, RMSB became the first company to receive approvals to market generic Oseltamavir and was awarded a contract for supply to the Malaysian government. The product marketed under the brand name Fluhalt is an antiviral used for treatment of H5N1 virus and is available in dosage form of 75 mg capsules.

The Statin market in Malaysia is estimated at RM100 million and is growing at a rate of 25 per cent per annum while Oseltamivir supplies are largely made through the government to meet any emergency threats from bird-flu.

Ranbaxy entered Malaysia with the formation of a joint venture between RLL and Malaysian shareholders. The company set up a dosage forms manufacturing unit in Sungai, Malaysia, to cater to the growing needs of the local market as well as the market in Singapore and Brunei.

The major therapeutic focus areas of RMSB include cardiovasculars, antibiotics and gastrointestinals some of which hold leadership positions in the hospitals, general practitioners and pharmacy segments.

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