Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has announced that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Ranbaxy Malaysia Sdn Bhd. (RMSB), has launched the first generics version of atorvastatin, under the brand name, 'Storvas', in Malaysia. The product-introduced on day one, will be made available through all major GP's (General Practitioners), Pharmacies and Hospitals in Malaysia. Storvas will be sold in dosage forms of 10mg, 20mg and 40mg, a Ranbaxy release stated.

Earlier in July 2006, RMSB became the first company to receive approvals to market generic Oseltamavir and was awarded a contract for supply to the Malaysian government. The product marketed under the brand name, Fluhalt, is an antiviral used for treatment of H5N1 virus and is available in dosage form of 75 mg capsules. Fluhalt is being supplied to all government hospitals, clinics and pharmacies in Malaysia.

Commenting on the launch, T Jeyabalan, managing director, RMSB, said, "Ranbaxy is proud to be the first company to launch the generic alternatives of Atorvastatin and Oseltamivir in Malaysia. It is our constant endeavour to offer affordable and safe generics of high quality to the patients in Malaysia and provide support to the government's healthcare plan."

The company has received approvals from the Drugs Control Authority of Malaysia to manufacture and market the products, which are being produced at the company's facility in Malaysia.

The statin market in Malaysia is estimated at RM 100 mil1ion and is growing at a rate of 25 per cent per annum while Oseltamivir supplies are largely made through the government to meet any emergency threats from bird-flu.

Ranbaxy entered Malaysia in 1983, with the formation of a Joint Venture between RLL, India and Malaysian shareholders. In 1987, the company set up a dosage forms manufacturing unit in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia, to cater to the growing needs of the local market as well as the market in Singapore and Brunei. In October 2002 RMSB became a subsidiary of RLL, India. The major therapeutic focus areas of RMSB include Cardiovascular, Antibiotics and Gastrointestinal some of which have leadership positions in the hospitals, general practitioners and pharmacy segments. RMSB is also credited with the distinction of having the first and the only facility of its kind in Malaysia, for the manufacture of HIV/ARV medicines. This has been in existence since 2003.