Wednesday, February 02, 2005

IN BRIEF: RANBAXY PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to manufacture and market the pharmaceutical brand, clarithromycin XL 1,000 mg tablets. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used for treating mild to moderate infections. According to Ranbaxy, the FDA has determined its formulation "can be expected to have the same therapeutic effect as an equivalent dose of [Abbott Laboratories'] Biaxin XL Filmtab extended-release tablets 500 mg." The company expects to launch the product in May.