Ind-Swift, Wockhardt launch Atorvastatin tablets in UK

MUMBAI: Drug firm Ind-Swift Laboratories today said it has launched generic formulations of the world's best selling drug Atorvastatin in the UK in collaboration with Wockhardt UK on the first day of its patent expiry.

Atorvastatin ( Lipitor), a drug used for the treatment of high cholesterol and prevention of heart attack, is the best selling drug with the world market size of USD 16 billion.

The drug went off patent in Europe on May 6 and taking this opportunity Ind Swift and its EU marketing partner, Wockhardt UK, introduced the generic version of the molecule in UK on day 1 after the patent expiry, a company statement said.

The product was launched in all its strengths-- 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg.

"With increase in demand for cost effective drugs for cardiovascular diseases, this generic launch is an excellent example of collaborative efforts of the two companies in leveraging on mutual strengths and competencies. We are targetting to capture a significant market share of this product in UK within the first year of launch," Ind-Swift chairman N R Munjal said.

The company has few more such products in pipeline to be launched in the European market in near future, he said.

"Wockhardt UK is one of the major suppliers of healthcare products to the retail pharmacy and hospitals in UK and the launch of generic version of Atorvastatin in partnership with Ind Swift Limited is an important milestone for us," Wockhardt UK Managing Director Sirjiwan Singh said.

Ind-Swift group is a fully integrated pharma group. The API required for the product was supplied from the USFDA and MHRA approved plant of Ind-Swift Laboratories Limited and the formulations was manufactured and supplied from the 100% export oriented facility of Ind-Swift Limited located at Jawaharpur near Derabassi Punjab.