Ranbaxy to introduce INERSAN in India, Nepal

* Signs exclusive in-licensing agreement with CD Pharma, the Indian affiliate of US-based VSL Pharmaceuticals

* First of its kind break-through drug in the dental segment

Gurgaon, Haryana, India, March 1 8, 2008: : Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (Ranbaxy) today announced an exclusive in-licensing agreement with CD Pharma to market the INERSAN* brand in India and Nepal. The patented product, a probiotic preparation, is used for the treatment of dental problems such as Periodontitis, Gingivitis and Halitosis. Presently there is no particular drug available for the treatment of this dental problem. INERSAN, a natural biological product, shall be a first-of-its-kind to be introduced in India.

Commenting on the development, Sanjeev I. Dani, Senior Vice President and Regional Director Asia & CIS, Ranbaxy, said "In the post patent era, we are driven by the need to in-license differentiated products and introduction of INERSAN tablets consolidates Ranbaxy's position in Dental segment."

He also added that "Periodontitis, Gingivitis and Halitosis are common Dental problems which if ignored, can lead to more serious complications. Dental practitioners in India currently do not have any specialized prescription product for these conditions and INERSAN tablets address this need for the segment."

Early-stage Periodontitis (Gum Disease) is painful and causes swollen and bleeding gums. This can lead to serious infection and eventually may cause tooth loss if left untreated. Some dentists recommend surgical options such as flap surgery, soft tissue grafting or bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration.

Studies carried out over the years have shown that gum disease can affect a person's overall health. Women with advanced gum diseases are likely to give birth to an underweight or pre-term baby while the ability of oral microbes to cross the placental barrier can expose the fetus to infection. Cardiac ailment patients have to be more careful to avoid Periodontitis because the bacteria from the mouth can cause clotting problems in the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of fatal heart attacks.

Kanwaldeep Chadha, Country Manager of CD Pharma India & Director Asia Pacific (VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc.), while speaking on the occasion said, "Internationally INERSAN has shown good clinical results across trials done in oral inflammatory conditions of different etiologies. Clinical trials conducted in India have also given encouraging results. We plan to introduce trial-backed-first-of-it's-kind probiotic products in the near future." He further added, "Probiotics is a new concept in India and is yet to be completely understood. Medical education is needed to create awareness about Probiotics. It is critical to understand that any probiotic food or drug has to have a bare minimum quantity of bacteria to be effective."

About Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, India's largest pharmaceutical company, is an integrated, research based, international pharmaceutical company producing a wide range of quality, affordable generic medicines, trusted by healthcare professionals and patients across geographies. Ranbaxy's continued focus on R&D has resulted in several approvals in developed markets and significant progress in New Drug Discovery Research. The Company's foray into Novel Drug Delivery Systems has led to proprietary "platform technologies," resulting in a number of products under development. The Company is serving its customers in over 125 countries and has an expanding international portfolio of affiliates, joint ventures and alliances, ground operations in 49 countries and manufacturing operations in 11 countries.

About CD Pharma India Private Ltd

CD Pharma India Private Ltd., headquartered in New Delhi, is Asian Affiliate of US based VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc., one of the leading Research and Development Company dedicated to the product development in the area of probiotics. The Company is focused on the clinical research, product development and strategic commercial partnering to provide innovative and scientifically substantiated options to consumers and health care providers. Strenuous R& D efforts have led to the development of proprietary products in the area of gastroenterology, oral care, gynecology, dermatology, oncology, and neonatology with proven efficacy and safety. The Company has been delivering strong commitment for quality care to Indian consumers and health care providers through collaborative efforts with partners such as Ranbaxy.

INERSAN* is a patented brand of VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA