Dr Reddy's restrained from selling generic drug Nexium in US market

MUMBAI: Hyderabad based Dr Reddy's has been restrained from selling the esomerazole tablets (brand name Nexium) by a US court over the colour of the tablets.

A motion moved by drug maker Astra Zeneca, objecting to the use of the colour purple in the generic version of the product has lead the court to pass a temporary restraining order against the sale of the medicines.

Nexium is used to treat severe gastric diseases.

"An order passed by the District Court of Delaware, granting Temporary Retraining Order with immediate effect on sales, delivery, transfer or other disposition of its generic esomeprazole product in the US market", Dr Reddy's said in a statement to the stock exchanges.

Following the news, shares of Dr Reddy's which was already down on Friday's trading hours because of the warning letter by the US Food and Drug Administration, slipped by over 5 percent closing at Rs 3336.

The company said the order has been passed pending further hearing or trial. "The company is complying with the order of the court and simultaneously evaluating all possible options to resolve the matter at the earliest", the company added.