Ranbaxy Cleared to Sell Generic Valtrex
February 1, 2007
Indian firm Ranbaxy said Thursday it has been approved for U.S. sales of a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s herpes drug Valtrex.
The company said the Food and Drug Administration approved valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets in 500-mg strength.
The company estimated Valtrex sales at $1.26 billion, quoting data from IMS Health.
The drug is indicated for treatment of herpes zoster — also called shingles — and to treat or suppress genital herpes in immunocompetent patients, and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals.
Valacyclovir HCl is also approved as a therapy for herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores.