News - Hypertension Week of March 2, 2003/ Vol. 2 No. 09

Generic Version of Lotensin Gains Tentative Approval

Hypertension sufferers may soon be able to choose a generic version of the brand-name ACE inhibitor Lotensin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. tentative approval to market Benazepril Hydrochloride tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg strengths.

Benazepril Hydrochloride has been determined to be biologically equivalent to Lotensin, which is manufactured by Novartis. In 2002, sales of Lotensin were $332.5 million.

Lotensin is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and may be used alone or in combination with thiazide diuretics.

Other sources: Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals