Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy launch Sevikar in Romania

Japanese drug major Daiichi Sankyo (TYO: 4568) and its majority-owned Indian subsidiary Ranbaxy Laboratories (AB: BO) announced today that the latter’s Terapia Ranbaxy unit will launch Sevikar, a fixed dose combination of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine besylate tablets, in Romania.

Sevikar, which has been approved in several European companies for several years (Thhe Pharma Letter November 17, 2008), will be available in three strengths of 5/20mg (amlodipine besylate 5mg, olmesartan medoxomil 20mg), 5/40mg (amlodipine besylate 5mg, olmesartan medoxomil 40mg) and 10/40 mg (amlodipine besylate 10mg, olmesartan medoxomil 40mg). The product is expected to be included on the national lists of compensated drugs benefiting patients as it will be made available at an affordable price.

Commenting on the product introduction, Arun Sawhney, chief executive and managing director of Ranbaxy, said: "We are pleased to introduce the first combination of olmesartan + amlodipine for the treatment of hypertension, which is a major public health problem. Leveraging synergies with Daiichi Sankyo is part of our business strategy and this will be our third product introduction as part of the Hybrid Business Model."