Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc, a wholly owned US subsidiary of Mumbai-based pharma major Lupin Limited, launched Suprax 400 mg tablets (Cefixime USP) in US. With this line extension, Lupin has tightened its grip on the brand franchise of its flagship anti-infective Suprax (Cefixime for oral suspension 100 mg/ 5 ml and 200 mg/ 5ml).

Suprax 400 mg tablets will help Lupin to further increase its share of the $450 million antibiotic market for the treatment of urinary tract infections. In addition, it would also extend the use of Suprax to the patient population of children falling in the age group of 12 yrs and above.

"Suprax 400 mg tablets offer additional value proposition to paediatricians by covering the adolescent and teenage patient population. The incidence of urinary tract infections is high in children and paediatricians are the 5th largest specialty prescribing antibiotics for this indication. We expect Suprax 400 mg tablets to add substantial value to the Suprax franchise," said, Dr Kamal Sharma, managing director, Lupin.

According to the company press release, Suprax 400 mg tablets will be promoted by a 60 strong specialty paediatric sales force. Lupin is also evaluating additional options to reach out to other specialty doctors.

The Suprax brand basket now includes, Suprax (Cefixime for oral suspension 100 mg/ 5 ml and 200 mg/ 5ml) and Suprax 400 mg tablets (Cefixime USP).