Ranbaxy inks licencing deal with US-based PPD

Ranbaxy Laboratories has signed an exclusive worldwide deal with US-based PPD Inc to develop, manufacture and market its novel statin for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

According to a release issued by Ranbaxy to the BSE today, the pre-clinical toxicology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic data suggest that the company statin has the potential to offer an improved safety profile over currently marketed statins.

"PPD is planning to conduct additional pre-clinical studies and file an investigational new drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration in April 2007," the release added.

"This is yet another milestone in Ranbaxy's evolution as a strong global research company," Malvinder Singh, chief executive officer and managing director, Ranbaxy, said . "We are pleased to partner with PPD in taking this potential drug forward promising superior treatment for dyslipidemia and related areas."