Ranbaxy to launch 30 new drugs in the U.S.
By agencies   |   Thursday, 24 November 2005, 20:30 IST
Printer Print Email Email
NEW DELHI: Low sales and profitability has forced Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd to launch 30 new products in the U.S. market over the next two years, according to a company presentation made to investors and analysts recently. The current market value of these drugs due for launch in 2006 and 2007 is estimated at $27 billion. Ranbaxy currently sells 20 drugs in the U.S. Ranbaxy, which has taken a bottom line hit for the past four quarters, has given a guidance of 18 percent revenue growth and 16 percent EBIDTA growth for 2006. In the July-September quarter, the company reported a 91 percent decline in net profits, its highest quarterly dip in a year, while revenues were down 3 percent due to fierce competition in the U.S. generics market. Analysts estimate single-digit revenue and profit growth for Ranbaxy in 2005. However, Ranbaxy said its strategic direction remained unchanged. While it has 47 products (current market value of $39 billion) pending approval in the U.S. market, 19 drugs worth $22.6 billion have to first file status (known as para IV filing which could give it a 6-month exclusivity period). Among the seven products from the first to file pipeline, which are to be launched, are Pravastatin, Siimvastatin and Modanifil, which have a combined current market size of $1.2 billion, the company said. While Pravastatin, which is facing no litigation, is expected to hit the market by April next year, the latter two drugs could be launched in June 2006 depending on a favorable verdict on litigation. The company also has nine NCEs (new chemical entities) in various stages of development with two molecules undergoing clinical trials.

siliconindia