Mumbai: Ranbaxy Laboratories has announced the commercialisation of its first authorised generic (AG) product, Isoptin SR (Verapamil SR) in the US market, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RPI).

The commercialisation of Isoptin SR - an anti hypertensive agent - in the US follows an agreement with FSC Laboratories, Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina, the patent holder of the original compound Verapamil SR, the Indian pharmaceutical major said.

"The commercialisation of Ispotin SR heralds Ranbaxy''s entry into the authorised generics space. Isoptin SR, a niche value-added formulation, also enhances our new drug delivery systems (NDDS) capability and our efforts with other molecules to improve patient compliance,'''' K Venkatachalam, Ranbaxy vice president and regional director North America, said.

Verapamil, a calcium ion antagonist or channel blocker, is indicated for the management of hypertension and angina. The generic market for Verapamil SR is worth an estimated $122.2 million with limited competition primarily from 2 other players.