Aurobindo gets USFDA nod for anti-depressant

MUMBAI: Drug major Aurobindo Pharma on Wednesday said it has got tentative USFDA approval to market escitalopram oxalate tablets.

They are the generic equivalent of Lexapro tablets, an anti-depressant manufactured by Forest Labs and are prescribed for the treatment of depression associated with mood disorders.

The market size for this drug is approximately $2.6 billion, for the year ending September 2008, according to international research agency IMS.

Aurobindo will manufacture these tablets in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg forms. The company now has 92 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) that have been approved in the US market.

Shares of Aurobindo Pharma surged 3.2% to Rs 161.15 in intra day trade on the BSE.