Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (RPI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories, has introduced the authorized generic cevimeline hydrochloride 30mg capsules in the US.

Cevimeline hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of dry mouth symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting the moisture-producing glands.

Ranbaxy CEO and managing director Arun Sawhney said, "This authorized generic form of Evoxac is an excellent example of optimizing operational synergies that exists between Ranbaxy and Daiichi Sankyo, while accelerating our global business efforts."

At present the product is being distributed by Daiichi Sankyo under the brand name Evoxac, which has annualized sales of $62.4m in the US, according to IMS data.

Ranbaxy chairman Dr. Tsutomu Une said, "We refer to the strategy of optimizing the diverse assets of both companies as our Hybrid Business Model, that will allow both organizations to effectively seize opportunities across the full pharmaceutical value chain and product life-cycle, by leveraging the R&D and manufacturing of both Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy."