The Hindu Business Line : Ranbaxy to market Ethypharm drug

Ethypharm India has entered into an out-licensing supply deal with Ranbaxy, for the painkiller Tramadol 50 mg Flashtab to be sold in the Indian market.

Ethypharm develops novel delivery systems for medicines. Its Flashtab proprietary technology makes medicines palatable and easier to swallow and forms the basis of the innovative Flashtab version of Tramadol, an Ethypharm statement said.

Brand name

The product will be supplied from Ethypharm's manufacturing facility near Mumbai, and marketed and distributed by Ranbaxy under its brand name `Trambax', according Ranbaxy.

The Indian Tramadol market is estimated to be Rs 15 crore annually and is expected to grow significantly with the addition of this novel drug delivery system, which would make administration of the product easier and more convenient to the patient, said Mr Ajey Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Ethypharm India. The company is a 100 per cent subsidiary of French drug-maker Ethypharm S.A.

UK launch

Tramadol Flashtab was filed by Ethypharm under the European Mutual Recognition Procedure in September 2001, and is expected to be launched in the UK during this year. The tablets melt rapidly in the mouth without water and combine several benefits in terms of acceptability, accuracy of dosing and safety, the company note said.

Ranbaxy has a presence in the Novel Drug Deliveries System (NDDS) segment with about 30 novel products in its kitty. With the introduction of the NDDS product, Trambax, Ranbaxy would have launched 2 in-licenced products into India. Five more such products are in the pipeline, slated for launch this year, the company said.