Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (Ranbaxy) announced the day-1 launch of Olanzapine tablets, the generic version of Zyprexa. Ranbaxy will be introducing Olanzapine tablets 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg and 10mg and also orodispersables in 5mg and 10mg.  Zyprexa is the innovator product of Eli Lilly and has a market size of $210 million  (Source: 2010 IMS Data).

Ranbaxy has received necessary regulatory approvals from the Spanish Health Authorities  to manufacture and market Olanzapine in Spain and will be launching the product on day-1, following patent expiry.

Commenting on the day-1 launch, Ranbaxy’s country manager in Spain, Pere-Lluís Sala,  said, “Ranbaxy has a strong portfolio of CNS products and the launch of Olanzapine further deepens our offering in this space. Ranbaxy will be promoting its generic Olanzapine through Physicians and Pharmacies with immediate effect. The generic alternative will bring about significant savings for Patients and the Spanish Health System which has been encouraging generic prescription as a means to make healthcare, affordable.”

Olanzapine  is an atypical antipsychotic, and is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. The product is effective in maintaining the clinical improvement during continuation therapy in patients who have shown an initial positive response. Olanzapine is also indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes and prevents their recurrence. It is also indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorders.

Ranbaxy Spain established operations in the country in 2004 and today offers a wide array of pharmaceutical products  that cover therapy areas such as gastrointestinals, cardiovascular, CNS and antibiotics. The company plans to add significantly to this product range during the year.