Wockhardt to launch generic hypertension drug in US

21 Aug 2012

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology major Wockhardt has received final approval from the United States Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) for marketing extended-release tablets containing 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg Felodipine, which are used in treating hypertension.

Felodipine is the generic name for the branded drug, Plendil, marketed by Astra Zeneca in the United States. Wockhardt is launching the product immediately, the company said in a release today.

Hypertension and related cardiac diseases remain a major health concern the world over.

According to IMS Health, the total market for this product in the US was over $66 million in 2011.

''We have received four ANDA approvals in the last 5 days and two of these are extended release pharmaceutical formulations,'' said Dr Habil Khorakiwala, Wockhardt Founder Chairman & Group CEO.

''This definitely is a reflection of Wockhardt's R&D prowess in indigenously developing such products,'' he further added.