Ranbaxy launches Lulifin, in-licensed from Summit Pharmaceuticals, in India

Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories, which is majority owned by Japan's Daiichi Sankyo, has launched a New Chemical Entity drug, Lulifin (luliconazole), in the Indian dermatology market.

This follows a strategic in-licensing agreement with Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corp (SPI) of Japan providing Ranbaxy exclusive marketing rights for India. The introduction of this NCE significantly strengthens Ranbaxy's offering in the dermatological segment, where it already has a strong presence with products such as Zole-F, Minoz, Suncros, Fucidin and Teczine, among others.

Commenting on the development, Sanjeev Dani, senior vice president and regional director - Asia, CIS & Africa - at Ranbaxy, said: "It is well recognized that, in the post patent era, licensing would be the key strategy to bring New Chemical Entities to India. Dermatology is one of the top priority therapeutic areas for us and we are pleased to introduce Lulifin in the Indian market. We would be manufacturing the product in India under licence from SPI, Japan."