Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited and Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited plan to introduce innovator products of Daiichi Sankyo in Mexico through the marketing division (Daiichi Sankyo Division) that was created last year within Ranbaxy's Mexican subsidiary, Ranbaxy Mexico SA de CV (Ranbaxy Mexico).

Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy Mexico (collectively the companies) have agreed to commercialize olmesartan medoxomil, an antihypertensive discovered by Daiichi Sankyo, in Mexico.

Additionally, the companies have agreed to promote prasugrel, an antiplatelet co-developed by Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly and Company, in Mexico. Prasugrel will be co-promoted by Lilly's affiliate in Mexico.

In preparation for the launch and swift market penetration of olmesartan medoxomil and prasugrel, Daiichi Sankyo Division will be hiring a dedicated team of medical representatives.

"We are excited about bringing our innovative products to the patients and doctors in Mexico," said Takashi Shoda, president & CEO of Daiichi Sankyo. "Olmesartan medoxomil and prasugrel are two of our flagship products and I believe they will offer excellent therapeutic options in Mexico."

Remarking on the development, Atul Sobti, CEO and Managing Director of Ranbaxy, said, "The introduction of olmesartan and prasugrel will reinforce the commitment of Ranbaxy and Daiichi Sankyo to deliver innovator products to the Mexican market. We will continue to leverage our individual strengths to offer quality medication to the masses and support their healthcare needs."

Olmesartan medoxomil is a member of the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of antihypertensive medications that help lower blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin II receptor on the blood vessels and antagonizing the release of the hormone which causes salt retention and increased blood volume. Olmesartan medoxomil is available in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Prasugrel, to be marketed as Effient in Mexico, is an antiplatelet agent invented by Daiichi Sankyo and its Japanese research partner Ube Industries, Ltd. Daiichi Sankyo and Lilly co-developed prasugrel as a treatment, initially for patients with acute coronary syndromes who are managed with an artery-opening procedure known as percutaneous coronary intervention.

Mexico, with an estimated population of 107 million people, is the second biggest market in Latin America and is the 11th largest pharmaceutical market in the world, commanding a market size of USD US$ 10.3 Bn.