Pharma major Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Thursday launched Pantoprazole sodium delayed-released tablets in the US market.

The tablets are bioequivalent generic version of Protonix in the US market, the Hyderabad-based company said in a release.

The drug had total US sales of approximately $1.8 billion for the 12 months ended September 30, 2010, according to IMS Health.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Dr Reddy's Abbreviated New Drug Application for the tablets on Wednesday, the release added.

The tablets are generally indicated for relief from erosive esophagitis associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.