Ranbaxy will launch Olmesartan Medoxomil, an antihypertensive originally discovered by Daiichi Sankyo, in six African countries: Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
The companies will launch the products under the brand, OlvanceT, as soon as the necessary measures have been completed in each country.
Takashi Shoda, president and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo, said: “I am delighted to announce the introduction of Olvance in Africa through Ranbaxy’s network. This is the first time in Africa that Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy are leveraging mutual synergies generated through the Hybrid Business Model, and we will continue to explore other collaborations with Ranbaxy that will help deliver our innovative products to the patients throughout the globe.”
Atul Sobti, managing director and CEO of Ranbaxy, said: “Ranbaxy has a significant presence in the African continent. We will utilize our strong business network to bring the innovative medicines of Daiichi Sankyo to the African people.”
Olmesartan Medoxomil is a member of the Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of antihypertensive medications. It helps lower blood pressure by blocking the angiotensin II receptor on the blood vessels and antagonizing the release of hormone which causes salt retention and increased blood volume. Olmesartan Medoxomil is available in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Ranbaxy launched Olmesartan Medoxomil as Olvance in India in April 2009, followed by the August launch of Ol-VamloT, a fixed-dose combination of Olmesartan Medoxomil with Amlodipine Besylate.