Ranbaxy to launch Daiichi Sankyo's olmesartan in six African markets

Indian drug major Ranbaxy Laboratories, which is majority owned by Japan's Daiichi Sankyo, is to launch olmesartan medoxomil, an antihypertensive originally discovered by Daiichi Sankyo, in six African countries; Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. The companies will market the products under the brand name Olvance, as soon as the necessary measures have been completed in each country.

Commenting on the decision, Takashi Shoda, president and chief executive of the Japanese drugmaker, said: "This is the first time in Africa that Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy are leveraging mutual synergies generated through the Hybrid Business Model, and we will continue to explore other collaborations with Ranbaxy that will help deliver our innovative products to the patients throughout the globe."

Atul Sobti, CEO and managing director of Ranbaxy, added: "Ranbaxy has a significant presence in the African continent. We will utilize our strong business network to bring the innovative medicines of Daiichi Sankyo to the African people."