Date:16/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/03/16/stories/2004031601140200.htm

Back Ranbaxy gets tentative USFDA nod for hypertension drug

Our Bureau

New Delhi , March 15

RANBAXY Laboratories Ltd has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Office of Generic Drugs, to manufacture and market Quinapril Hydrochloride tablets used for the treatment of hypertension.

The tablets would be available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg units. The total Quinapril Hydrochloride tablet market is estimated to be $632.2 million with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals' Accupril dominating the market with sales of $589 million.

In an official statement, Mr Jim Meehan, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc said, "Subject to receiving final FDA approval, we will introduce Quinapril Hydrochloride tablets to further expand our product portfolio of affordable generic alternatives. This product offering in the cardiovascular class of medications will provide benefits to the US healthcare system, prescribers and patients."

Quinapril Hydrochloride could be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics.