Lupin launches generic insomnia drug in US

NEW DELHI: Drug major Lupin has launched a generic insomnia drug, Zolpidem Sublingual tablets, in the US market with 180-days of marketing exclusivity.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals launched GAVIS Pharmaceuticals' Zolpidem Sublingual tablets after having received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as from the FTC with 180 days of exclusivity.

Reacting to the news, stock of Lupin was trading at Rs 1,465.30 on BSE, up 0.27 per cent from the previous close.

Lupin had completed the acquisition of privately held US-based GAVIS Pharmaceuticals LLC and Novel Laboratories (GAVIS) in a USD 880 million deal earlier this month.

It had announced the acquisition on July 23, 2015.

GAVIS's product is the generic equivalent of Purdue Pharma LP's Intermezzo Sublingual tablets and is indicated for for the treatment of insomnia.

As per the IMS sales data, Intermezzo had sales of USD 9.46 million in the US market.