Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (RLL) has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, Office of Generic Drugs, to manufacture and market ciprofloxacin tablets USP, 250mg, 500mg. and 750mg, a company release said.

Commenting on the development, James Meehan, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc (RPI), said, "We will begin shipping the widely prescribed anti-infective immediately and will be able to provide product to our customers. Subsequently, it is anticipated that this affordable generic alternative will have a positive impact that will benefit the US healthcare system, patients and prescribers," he added.

Total market sales for ciprofloxacin totaled $1.4 billion (IMS MAT-March, 2004), with sales of the immediate release tablet accounting for a total of $1.0 billion.

RPI, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (RLL). RPI is engaged in the sale and distribution of generic and branded prescription products in the US healthcare system.