Sun Pharma launches blood pressure drugs in US; shares up nearly 1%

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said it has launched generic versions of Daiichi Sankyo medicines, used in treatment of high blood pressure, in the US market.

In a BSE filing, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said "its wholly owned subsidiary has launched in US, the authorised generic versions for all strengths of Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor and Tribenzor of Daiichi Sankyo Inc".

Four medicines include Olmesartan Medoxomil, Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide, Amlodipine Besylate-Olmesartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine Besylate-Hydrochlorothiazide -Olmesartan Medoxomil tablets.

"The launch is pursuant to a distribution and supply agreement between Sun Pharma's wholly owned subsidiary and Daiichi Sankyo Inc, which grants the Sun Pharma subsidiary, exclusive rights to distribute these tablets in the US for a pre-determined period," it added.

Quoting IMS Health data, Sun Pharma said Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor and Tribenzor recorded US sales of approximately USD 2.5 billion for the 12 months ending August 31, 2016.

Shares of Sun Pharma were trading at Rs 745.05 apiece on the BSE, up 0.74% from the previous close.