Ranbaxy to launch two new drugs in Mexico

The largest domestic drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories is planning to introduce two of Daiichi Sankyos discovered products in Mexico. Both have agreed to commercialise olmesartan medoxomil—an anti-hypertensive developed by Daiichi Sankyo—in Mexico. Ranbaxy had recently announced its plans to launch this anti-hypertensive drug in six African countries that include Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
 
Olmesartan medoxomil is already available in more than 50 countries worldwide. Additionally, the two companies plan to promote Prasugrel, an anti-platelet, co-developed by Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly, in the Latin American market. Prasugrel will be co-promoted by Lilly's affiliate in Mexico. 
 
With an estimated population of 107 million people, Mexico is Latin American region's second largest market after Brazil, with annual pharma sales of about $10.4 billion. After acquiring Ranbaxy in 2008 for $4.6 billion, Daiichi has been using the Indian pharma company's marketing muscle and distribution strength to create a presence and consolidate its position in emerging markets-mainly in Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America.