Sun Pharma launches generic versions of Daiichi Sankyo's high blood pressure drugs in US

NEW DELHI: Indian drug major Sun Pharma has launched in the US generic versions of Japanese pharmaceutical firm Daiichi Sankyo's Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor and Tribenzor, which are used to treat high blood pressure.

These brands together recorded US sales of approximately $2.5 billion between August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2016, Sun Pharma said, citing IMS Health data.

"The launch is pursuant to a distribution and supply agreement between Sun Pharma’s wholly owned subsidiary and Daiichi Sankyo Inc, which grants the Sun Pharma subsidiary exclusive rights to distribute these tablets in the US for a pre-determined period," the company stated in a release.

According to a market analyst, the announcement is a positive surprise and the revenue impact for the company is expected to be steep. "The drugs went generic with Mylan having six-month exclusivity. Assuming 50% price erosion, 35-50% market share with 15% margins, this can imply approximately Rs350-Rs500 crore profits for Sun during the six month period."