Wockhardt jumps on US FDA nod for copy of clot-buster drug

Moneycontrol Bureau

Wockhardt shares hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,275.50 on NSE on Thursday after the drug maker said it has received final US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approval to market Clopidogrel bi-sulfate tablets, used to help reduce risk of heart attack or stroke, in 75 mg strength. It also got a tentative nod for the drug in 300 mg strength tablets, Wockhardt said. Wockhardt's Clopidogrel bi-sulfate tablets are a generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Plavix. The total market for the product in the US was over USD 6.5 billion, Wockhardt said, citing IMS Health data. This is the second US FDA approval Wockhardt has received in last three days. On Tuesday, the company had announced US FDA approval for 10 mg extended release tablets of Alfuzosin hydrochloride, which is used to treat enlarged prostate. Alfuzosin is a generic version of Uroxatral, marketed in the US by Sanofi-Aventis. At 14:00 hrs, Wockhardt shares were traded up 2.5% at Rs 1,270.95 on NSE.