Ranbaxy launches 'Volini Duo' OTC painkiller across country

Drug firm Ranbaxy Laboratories today said its over-the-counter (OTC) division has launched a two-in-one painkiller, 'Volini Duo', across the country.

The company's OTC business division, Ranbaxy Global Consumer Healthcare (RGCH), has introduced 'Volini Duo', a bi-layered Acetaminophen tablet specifically formulated to give dual pain relief, Ranbaxy said in a statement.

Commenting on the launch, RGCH Vice-President Brijesh Kapil said, "Ranbaxy remains committed to developing and offering quality, safe, efficacious and innovative solutions to consumers. The introduction of 'Volini Duo' is a move in this direction."

The product has been developed by scientists at the company's Gurgaon R&D centre using matrix technology, which enables the regulated release of the medicine in the gastrointestinal tract, the company said.

The product has been developed for back and joint pains, which are primarily chronic in nature, it added.

"Unlike regular pain killers, which give relief for up to four hours, Volini Duo, with its unique matrix formulation, provides relief for double the duration of around 8 hours," it said.

The launch of the product marks the entry of Ranbaxy into the OTC oral pain reliever category. The OTC oral analgesics market in India is estimated to be worth around Rs 700 crore and growing at a rate of 10.5% annually, it said.

RGCH was established in October, 2002, with the objective to promote OTC healthcare brands with consumers. The division has over 15 products in its basket, including Revital, Volini (pain relieving gel & spray), Chericof (cough syrup) and Pepfiz (digestive).

Shares of Ranbaxy were being quoted at Rs 485.50 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange in late afternoon trade today, down 0.86% from their previous close.