Ranbaxy gets TPD's nod for drug

MUMBAI: Leading pharmaceutical firm Ranbaxy Laboratories on Wednesday said it has received approval to manufacture and market Tamsulosin Hydrochloride capsules in Canada.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of the firm, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals-Canada Inc. (RPCI) received the approval for Tamsulosin Hydrochloride capsules (0.4mg) from Health Canada, Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD), the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

This product has proven to be bio-equivalent to Flomax Capsules which is indicated for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Tamsulosin Hydrochloride belongs to group of drugs called Alpha Blockers. It works by blocking alpha receptors in certain areas of the body.

"We are pleased to receive this approval from TPD for Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Capsules that will expand Ranbaxy's expanding product portfolio of accessible and affordable generic product offerings.

RPCI's sales team will be offering Ran-Tamsulosin immediately under the Ranbaxy label in all of the Canadian provinces that now provides another option to pharmacist for this molecule, that will be of benefit to both patients and the Canadian Health Care system," said president of RPCI Paul Drake.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 398.60, down 3.68 per cent on the BSE.