India Ranbaxy launches generic amlodipine in Japan

MUMBAI, April 8 (Reuters) - Indian drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (RANB.BO) said on Tuesday it had received clearance from Japan's ministry of health and labour welfare for generic hypertension drug amlodipine tablets.

Amlodipine has a market of about $2 billion in Japan, and represents the biggest generic opportunity in that market, Ranbaxy said in a statement.

Ranbaxy markets four products in Japan currently and "has a strong portfolio in the pipeline", which will be introduced in 2008 and 2009, it said.

Ranbaxy has an equal joint venture with Nihon Pharmaceutical Industry Ltd for generics.

Shares in Ranbaxy were down more than 2 percent at 473.90 rupees at 0803 GMT in a weak Mumbai market. (Reporting by Rina Chandran; Editing by Ranjit Gangadharan)