Lupin Ltd has launched Ceftriaxone vials for injection in the US market. Ceftriaxone is the generic equivalent of Rocephin marketed by Roche. As per MAT May 2005 IMS data, the US market size for Ceftriaxone was at $ 756 million.

A complex, high technology cephalosporin antibiotic, ceftriaxone injection is used to treat infections of the urinary tract, lower respiratory tract, meningitis, skin and skin structure, surgical prophylaxis, intra-abdominal infections and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Lupin’s chairman Dr. Desh Bandhu Gupta said, “The launch of Ceftriaxone in the US marks a major milestone for Lupin’s advanced markets strategy. This product significantly enhances our presence in the US generic market.  We believe that our ability to manufacture this product combined with the fact that there are a limited number of players in this market will help in creating strong value for Lupin’s shareholders.”

Earlier in October 2003, Lupin had received the ANDA approval from the US FDA for 250 mg, 500 mg, 1g and 2g variants of Ceftriaxone vials for injection. The launch follows the expiry of the product patent on July 19, 2005.

The company has entered into an agreement with Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a leading global medical products company headquartered in the United States, whereby Baxter will exclusively distribute the company’s generic version of Ceftriaxone vials in the US hospital market. Lupin has also entered into a separate agreement with Henry Schein, Inc. for the sale of this product to physician offices.