Wockhardt gets USFDA tentative nod to sell anti-depressant

The patent covering this product is under litigation in the US courts and the company will launch the product after resolution of the litigation, Wockhardt said in a statement.

Eli Lilly and Co holds the patent for the drug, which is marketed under the brand Cymbalta in the United States.

"Wockhardt was amongst the first to file companies with a paragraph-IV certification for Duloxetine DR capsules. We will be amongst the first to market this product, as and when the generic market opens up," Wockhardt Chairman Habil Khorakiwala said.

The tentative approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is for marketing Duloxetine Hydrochloride delayed release capsules in strengths of 20 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg, the company said.

"According to IMS Health, the total market for this product in the US is about USD 3.3 billion,'" Wockhardt said.

Duloxetine is one of the most widely used drugs in treating depression and generalised anxiety disorder.

"The company will be manufacturing the Duloxetine HCL API at its FDA approved facility at Ankleswar, in Gujarat, and capsules at its facility in Aurangabad," it added.

Shares of Wockhardt were being quoted at Rs 400.9 apiece in afternoon trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) today, up 0.72 per cent from their previous close.