Ranbaxy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, has launched Lipogen (atorvastatin) 10, 20, 40 and 80mg into the South African market. Ranbaxy is the first generic pharmaceutical company to launch a generic atorvastatin in South Africa.

Atorvastatin is the second largest molecule in South Africa after esomeprazole. Atorvastatin is a cholesterol-reducing medicine, the generic equivalent of the brand Lipitor, which has a current market size in the South African market as measured by IMS (MAT, February 2010) of ZAR 208.7 million (US$ 26.1 million). Lipitor, the Pfizer originator brand, has 33.2 per cent market share of the atorvastatin market. Pharmacia, a Pfizer company, also markets an authorized generic, Aspavor in 10, 20, 40 mg.

With this launch, Ranbaxy SA becomes the only company to have an 80 mg Generic Atorvastatin, in South Africa.

The launch of Lipogen provides patients, a high quality Generic alternative, at an affordable price. Favourable reimbursement terms to encourage generic substitution have also been worked out while special distribution arrangements have been made with wholesalers and distributors to improve patient access. Lipogen is also the first generic in South Africa to carry information in blind friendly Braille format on its packaging. This has been welcomed by all customers as well as the blind society of South Africa.