Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited has launched a high end advanced Cephalosporin, Cefprozil, under the brand name Refzil O in Indian markets. The anti-infective product belonging to the advanced Cepholosporin category is launched for the first time in the country, stated a press release.

Refzil O, a high generation oral Cephalosporin is useful in combating different types of bacteria in surgical cases and respiratory tract infections, both among adults and children. The brand will be a superior choice for the treatment of Staphyloccal infections and will be an ideal follow-up therapy for patients after usage of injectable Refzil (a Ranbaxy product already in market). The Cephalosporin market in India is estimated around Rs. 1000 crore for the year 2002 (1/3rd the anti-infectives market) and growing at 9 per cent, more than double the growth rate of the anti-infectives market (ORG MAT- December 2002) The global market size of this molecule is around US $ 400 million and is among the top 5 selling Cephalosporins out of more than 25 such molecules in this segment.

Commenting on the launch, Malvinder Mohan Singh, regional director-India, Ranbaxy said, "The launch of Refzil O further strengthens our position in the higher end Cephalosporins. The market for this product promises excellent potential and will help us in improving the market share in the Cephalosporin segment and widen the product portfolio".