Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited and Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited announced that Daiichi Sankyo will establish Daiichi Sankyo Espha Co, Ltd (Daiichi Sankyo Espha) on April 1, 2010. Daiichi Sankyo Espha will market generic drugs, as well as Daiichi Sankyo’s products which have gained a well-established reputation in the market.

“Daiichi Sankyo is dedicated to meeting the universal desire of patients to improve their health and better balance their lives,” said Takashi Shoda, president & CEO of Daiichi Sankyo. “We believe that our understanding of the Japanese market and local presence united with the global expertise of Ranbaxy in the generic arena will enable us to achieve efficient and immediate entry into the generic market.”

Remarking on the development, Atul Sobti, CEO and managing director of Ranbaxy, said, “Daiichi Sankyo’s leadership in the Japanese pharmaceutical market will guide us to further expand our business in Japan. Ranbaxy is committed to bringing high quality, affordable medicines to doctors and patients across the world.”

Completing their strategic alliance in November 2008 to form the unique Hybrid Business Model, Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy (collectively the Group) have been moving forward to fully leverage the Model. The expanded global reach enables leading market positions in both developed and emerging markets through the supply of innovative and established pharmaceuticals.

In addition to meeting unmet medical needs through the development and marketing of outstanding new drugs, the Group also operates an OTC business, and is accelerating its efforts to reinforce its Vaccine business. In order to further fulfill the various needs patients have, the Group is also committed to providing patients with reliable generic pharmaceuticals through a strong network of Japanese and overseas companies. Leveraging Ranbaxy’s strengths, Daiichi Sankyo Espha will expand its product pipeline and continuously realize stable supply.

As a member of the Group, Daiichi Sankyo Espha will continue to respond to the expectations of patients, firmly coordinating the Group’s strengths through coordination of the most important elements of pharmaceuticals: quality, information, and stable supply.