Ranbaxy's JV in Japan unveils maiden drug

Nihon Pharmaceutical Industry(NPI), the Japanese joint venture company of Ranbaxy Laboratories, has launched its first collaborative research product ""Vogseal in Japan. NPI is a venture between Ranbaxy and Nippon Chemiphar.

Vogseal, an anti-diabetic drug brand of the molecule Voglibose, is the first product developed by the joint venture.

The product will be sold in Japan under the Ranbaxy/Nihon Pharmaceutical Industry label and will be marketed and promoted to doctors in hospitals as well as in clinics by field forces of Nippon Chemiphar and Nihon Pharmaceutical Industry.

Malvinder Mohan Singh, president pharmaceuticals and executive director, Ranbaxy Lab, said, "We are delighted to introduce our first product in Japan which is a reflection of our R&D strength and excellent cross functional teamwork. Together with our strategic partner, NC, we are committed to building our presence in this key market by providing quality generic alternatives."

Kazushiro Yamaguchi, president & CEO, Nippon Chemiphar, said, "Ranbaxy and Nippon Chemiphar share a mutually beneficial and strategic partnership in Japan and with the successful launch of Vogseal, we have indicated how closely and successfully the two companies are working together. We are confident that this winning combination will increase the product momentum and lead to launch of many other such generic products in Japan in the coming time."

Following the introduction of Vogseal in Japan, Ranbaxy achieves the distinction of being present in all the top 5 pharmaceutical markets of the world. Japan ranks as the second largest pharmaceutical market globally, with a market size of $65 billion.