PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. (RLL), has launched authorized generic pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets in the U.S. market, under an agreement with Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.   

Pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets is an oral antidiabetic agent that acts primarily by decreasing insulin resistance, presently distributed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. under the brand name Actos. The product is indicated for patients as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic controls in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Actos^® generated total annualized sales of $2.7 billion in the U.S. (IMS – MAT June 2012).

Bill Winter, Vice President, Trade Sales and Distribution, North America, said, "Ranbaxy is making available the full range of generic pioglitazone in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg tablets.  The introduction of generic pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets is a significant and important addition to our portfolio of antidiabetic products in the U.S.  The launch further complements our resolve to bring high quality, affordable generic medicines as early as possible to the U.S. healthcare system."

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RPI) based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (RLL), India's largest pharmaceutical company. RPI is engaged in the sale and distribution of generic and branded prescription products in the U.S. healthcare system.

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, India's largest pharmaceutical company, is an integrated, research based, international pharmaceutical company producing a wide range of quality, affordable generic medicines, trusted by healthcare professionals and patients across geographies. Ranbaxy's continued focus on R&D has resulted in several approvals, in developed and emerging markets many of which incorporate proprietary Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) and technologies, developed at its own labs. The company has further strengthened its focus on generics research and is increasingly working on more complex and specialty areas. Ranbaxy serves its customers in over 125 countries and has an expanding international portfolio of affiliates, joint ventures and alliances, ground operations in 46 countries and manufacturing operations in 7 countries. Ranbaxy is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. Through strategic in-licensing opportunities and its hybrid business model with Daiichi Sankyo, a leading global pharma innovator headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Ranbaxy is introducing many innovator products in markets around the world, where it has a strong presence. This is in line with the company's commitment to increase penetration and improve access to medicines, across the globe. For more information, please visit www.ranbaxy.com.

Actos is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

SOURCE Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc.