Tuesday, October 26, 2004

IN BRIEF: RANBAXY PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. received tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration for carvedilol tablets in 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg and 25 mg strengths. Carvedilol is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline Plc's pharmaceutical brand, Coreg which is indicated for the management of hypertension, treatment of congestive heart failure and to reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction. Coreg generated $729 million in sales during the 12 months to June, according to IMS Health Inc. data cited by Ranbaxy.