Lupin gets USFDA approval for arthritis tablets

NEW DELHI: Drug firm Lupin on Friday said it has received final approval from US health regulator to market Nabumetone tablets, used in treating arthritis, in the American market.

The company's unit, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc has been granted final approval by US Food and Drug Administration for Nabumetone tablets in strengths of 500mg and 750mg, Lupin said in a statement.

The Mumbai-headquartered firm Nabumetone is the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline's Relafen tablets, indicated for acute and chronic treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

According to IMS Health sales data, the annual sales for Nabumetone in the US was $66.8 million for the 12-month period ended September 2010.