Wokhardt Ltd, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology major, has received approval from US FDA for marketing cefurooxime axetil in the US market. Its subsidiary Wockhardt USA, Inc., is expected to launch the broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic tablets in three strengths - 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg - over the next few weeks.

Habil Khorakiwala, chairman said, "New product launches will drive business in the US, which is Wockhardt's fastest growing market. Our US formulation business grew by over 150 per cent in the first half of 2005 and we have another 12 applications pending with the US authority."

Wockhardt improved its market share in two of its key products in the US in recent months. Its market share in bethenechol chloride improved to 37 per cent from 17 per cent and enalapril market share improved from 6 per cent to 16 per cent. Cefurooxmime axetil, the generic version of GSK's Ceftin, will be the sixth product to be marketed under the Wockhardt banner in the US.

Wockhardt manufactures both the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the tablets at its US FDA-approved cephalosporin facilities in Ankleshwar and Waluj respectively. The US and the European Union sales contribute to half of Wockhardt's turnover.