Lupin gets USFDA nod for generic drug treating Alzheimer's

Lupin will manufacture a generic version of Allergan's Namenda XR capsules that are used to treat dementia

Drug major, Lupin, received the US health regulator's approval to market its memantine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, used for treating Alzheimer's disease, on September 29.

The company has received final approval for the product in strengths of 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg, and 28 mg from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Lupin Ltd said in a regulatory filing.

The Mumbai-based company's product is a generic version of Allergan's Namenda XR capsules, which are prescirbed for treatment of dementia- moderate or severe- among patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

According to IMS MAT sales data up to June 2016, Namenda XR capsules had US sales of USD 1.22 billion.

Shares of Lupin today ended at Rs 1,469.50 apiece on the BSE, which is 3.10% below its previous close.