Wockhardt generic versions of Pfizer's Geodon and AstraZeneca's Plendil OKed by FDA

Indian drugmaker Wockhardt (BSE: WOCK) said yesterday it has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration health for its ziprasidone 20mg, 40mg, 60mg and 80mg, its generic version of drug behemoth Pfizer’s (NYSE: PFE) anti-psychotic drug Geodon.

Quoting IMS Health, the company said the total market for this product – which it plans to launch in the USA on September 2 - in the USA is about $1.3 billion. Wockhardt will be manufacturing the ziprasidone hydrochloride active pharmaceutical ingredient in its facility at Ankleshwar and the capsules at its facility in Aurangabad.

Commenting on the approval, Wockhardt’s founder chairman and group chief executive Habil Khorakiwala said: "This is the fifth US FDA approval for Wockhardt in the past eight days. Wockhardt's R&D has ensured a steady stream of new products, which has translated into a varied product offering in the US markets."