Ranbaxy Laboratories has launched its branded once-a-day product, Osonase (Ciclesonide) aqueous nasal spray in India. The product introduced as a nasal spray, will be used for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents.

Osonase is available as a 50mcg (per dose/actuation), 120 metered doses, aqueous nasal spray.

Commenting on the launch, Sanjeev I Dani, senior vice president and regional director, Asia and CIS, Ranbaxy, said, "The launch of Osonase underpins our commitment to provide contemporary patient friendly solutions for the effective management of respiratory disorders like seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. Today Ranbaxy offers a wide range of innovative products in the asthma segment with novel delivery mechanisms such as DPIs (Dry Powder Inhalers) and pMDIs that are HFA (Hydro Fluoro Alkanes- environment friendly propellant) technology based inhalers, and Nasal Sprays to suit the convenience of patients".

Allergic rhinitis represents a global health problem and is believed to be a precursor for Asthma. It is a common disease worldwide affecting at least 10-25 per cent of the population and its prevalence is increasing. Moreover it alters the social life of the patients and affects school performance and work productivity and therefore the cost implications are substantial.

In 2005, Ranbaxy entered the Asthma segment and in a short span of two years the company has expanded itself in this segment with a range of inhalers. Ranbaxy has the distinction of being the first company to introduce Osonide (Ciclesonide) Inhaler, a novel once-a-day product (for the treatment for Asthma). Later in September, 2006 Ranbaxy launched Avessa (Formoterol + Fluticasone) inhalation capsules in India and in November 2006 launched for the fist time in the world Avessa HFA inhaler. In March this year, Ranbaxy launched Osovair (Formoterol + Ciclesonide) inhalation capsules in India, yet another unique combination introduced for the first time in the world.

Both Avessa and Osovair inhalation capsules are to used with Rheohaler, which is the worlds' first multi-dose capsules based novel DPI delivery system.