Zydus Cadila to sell Atenolol in US

Cadila Healthcare Ltd has announced that Zydus Cadila has received its very first approval from USFDA to market Atenolol, an anti-hypertensive drug, in the US market.

Following this, the group plans to launch the drug in April or May this year.  The approval for Atenolol is the latest in a series of quick developments that mark Zydus Cadila's Foray in the US generic markets.

The process, which started with setting up of Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc early last year, gathered momentum with filing of 12 abbreviated new drug applications by the end of financial year 2003-04.

This was the largest number filed by an Indian company in the very first year of filing. Apart from Atenolol, the group expects to launch 6 more drugs this year, subject to approvals.

The market for these drugs is estimated at US$ 3.5 bn.  Proven chemistry capabilities, an extensive talent pool and a world class manufacturing base are expected to be key factors as Zydus Cadila establishes itself in the US generic market.

With a focus on building a robust pipeline of ANDA filings, the group is likely to end the current financial year with 14 filings taking the total number of filings to 26 gearing up for start of operations in the US. 

With the approval for Atenolol coming in and its subsequent launch, the group is well on course of starting its first year of operations in USA by mid 2005.