Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (Ranbaxy) announced the launch of its first branded prescription medicine, Visclair Tablets 100mcg (Mecysteine HCL) in the UK. The brand will be promoted to health professionals by the Ranbaxy Respiratory Sales Team, the new brands division of Ranbaxy (UK) Limited.

Visclair is a mucolytic drug that aids the expectoration of viscous mucus, a problem associated with respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Clearing viscous mucus from the patient's lungs can reduce the chronic cough, respiratory infections and exacerbations that COPD patients suffer from, thus leading to greater quality of life and health outcomes for the patient.

COPD is the 5th commonest cause of death in England and Wales, accounting for approximately 30,000 deaths each year. Predominantly caused by smoking, there are an estimated 900,000 people in the UK with diagnosed COPD and there may be as many again who remain undiagnosed.

Commenting on the launch Malvinder Mohan Singh, president, Pharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy, said, " The launch of Visclair is a significant step towards our committed foray to enter the branded prescription segment in the UK market and emerge strongly in the branded business".

Ranbaxy (UK) Limited, based in London, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, India, was established in 1996.