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Ranbaxy unit gets Brazil nod for anti-AIDS drug

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, July 14

RANBAXY S.P.Medicamentos, a joint-venture in which Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd holds majority equity, has received the Brazilian Regulatory Authority's approval for its anti-AIDS drug, Lamivudine.

This is reported to be the first bio-equivalent generic approval from Brazil in the segment, according to a Ranbaxy communique received here.

The joint-venture company commenced its marketing operations in November 2000.

Lamivudine (3TC) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity highest against HIV-1. It is commonly prescribed as a part of HAART (High Active Anti-Retroviral Regimen) in combination with other anti-retrovirals.

Brazil is a key market for Ranbaxy. Mr D.S. Brar, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company had recently told Business Line that Ranbaxy would be interested in having a manufacturing base in the region, subject to achieving a critical mass to sustain growth.

The company expects to launch the generic version of Lamivudine in Brazil in September this year.

The originator product `Epivir' is from Glaxo Smithkline. The branded medicine costs around Rs 210.55 for 60 dosages and the Ministry of Health expects the generic version will cost 40 per cent less, say about Rs 126.33.

Epivir is part of the cocktail of medicines distributed free-of-cost by the Health Ministry. The Ministry's target is to distribute 2.2 crore of Lamivudine dosages to HIV-infected patients. Brazil's MoH procures approximately $500 million worth of drugs annually for free distribution and 70 per cent of this is allocated for anti-AIDS products.