Ranbaxy Laboratories, a subsidiary of Daiichi Sankyo Co of Japan, has launched a generic version of Prasugrel in India. The product, called Prasita, is an antiplatelet agent for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Prasita is solely marketed by Ranbaxy in India.

Following the April 2009 launch of Olvance (olmesartan medoxomil), an antihypertensive originally discovered by Daiichi Sankyo, Prasita is the second product from the Daiichi Sankyo portfolio to be introduced in India through the strong Ranbaxy business network. Ranbaxy will create awareness, understanding and acceptance of the new antiplatelet therapy among the target audiences in the country.

"We are pleased to be able to introduce Prasita in India," said Atul Sobti, CEO and managing director of Ranbaxy. "A number of synergy projects between Ranbaxy and Daiichi Sankyo are already underway, and we will further strengthen our common endeavour to realise greater benefits from our Hybrid Business Model."

"The launch of our two top flagship products, olmesartan medoxomil and prasugrel, by Ranbaxy shows our serious commitment to India, and we will continue to explore further collaborations leveraging the Hybrid Business Model," said Takashi Shoda, president & CEO of Daiichi Sankyo.