Ranbaxy launches acne drug Absorica in US

Ranbaxy Laboratories Inc, the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, has launched of Absorica (isotretinoin) 25 mg and 35 mg capsules in the US.  Absorica, a product licensed by Ranbaxy from Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc, has become the most prescribed branded oral isotretinoin in the US, as per a recent independent survey conducted with dermatologists. It is indicated for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in patients 12 years of age and older.
 
Due to its high lipophilicity, oral absorption of isotretinoin is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal, however, Absorica, which is formulated using patented Lidose technology, can be given without regards to meals. The fasted AUC0-t of Absorica is approximately 83 percent greater than that of Accutane, while both products are bioequivalent under fed conditions. Absorica is therefore not interchangeable and not substitutable with generic products of Accutane.
 
Dr Ashish Anvekar, Vice President of Brand Division North America, Ranbaxy, said “Since isotretinoin dosing is weight-based, we are most pleased to make available these valuable, additional dosing options exclusively for Absorica. This will give prescribers the enhanced flexibility, to tailor the isotretinoin therapy depending on the patient’s weight, and benefit the group of patients who are in that weight range, irrespective of their dietary intake. Ranbaxy continuously seeks to innovate and bring value based options to the specialty of dermatology and patients.”