NEW DELHI (TIP): Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday launched the authorised generic cevimeline hydrochloride 30 mg capsules in the US market under an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo. Cevimeline hydrochloride is meant for the treatment of symptoms of dry mouth associated with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting the moistureproducing glands.

It is now distributed by Daiichi Sankyo under the brand name Evoxac. “We see a continuing opportunity to leverage our combined strengths of innovation and the manufacture and marketing of affordable, high quality, generic medicines through this collaboration,” Arun Sawhney, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ranbaxy, said. Evoxac generated total annualised sales of $62.4 million as of June 30, 2012 in the US market.

“This launch further underscores Ranbaxy’s resolve to bring high quality, affordable generic medicines to the US healthcare system to meet the growing needs of patients and prescribers,” Bill Winter, Vice-President – Trade Sales and Distribution, North America, Ranbaxy, said.Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. It is engaged in the sale and distribution of generic and branded prescription products in the US healthcare system.