In a new development, medical giant Ranbaxy has taken popular drug Valacyclovir hydrochloride, which is the generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's Valtrex, to markets across US. The pharmaceutical company takes the drug to US on November 25, and it is expected to net nearly $200 Million in revenue during the initial 6 months exclusive period.

The move is Ranbaxy's first major file-to-file opportunity since its Daiichi acquisition, and its many issues with the US Food and Drug Administration which happened last year. The company's launch of the generic Valtrex is right on track and will hit the markets on December 23 this year, even before GSK's patent on it expires.

Valtrex was accorded to Ranbaxy after the pharma giant and GSK reached an agreement in 2007, which now entitles the former to exclusive 180-day marketing right over the drug. Also, it is the only genetic firm which is marketing the medicine, which is essentially an anti-viral for the treatment of herpes.

"Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals has introduced Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, 500mg and 1g tablets, having previously been granted US FDA approval for these oral dosage forms. RPI being the first to file and to successfully challenge the Valacyclovir patents, is the first generic pharmaceutical manufacturer entitled to offer an affordable alternative to the brand, Valtrex tablets by GlaxoSmithKline”, said Ranbaxy in the official release statement.

Experts have estimated that in its exclusive 6 months period, the drug is expected to garner over $200 million in sales. As of September 2009, total sales for Valacyclovir stood at $2.2 Billion for the year.