PRINCETON, N.J. — Ranbaxy Labs on Wednesday announced the launch of Absorica (isotretinoin) 25 mg and 35 mg capsules into the U.S. healthcare market.
Absorica has become the most prescribed branded oral isotretinoin in the United States, as per a recent independent survey conducted with dermatologists. The product is licensed by Ranbaxy from Cipher Pharmaceuticals and is indicated for the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne in patients 12 years of age and older.
Due to its high lipophilicity, oral absorption of isotretinoin is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal, however, Absorica, which is formulated using patented Lidose technology, can be given without regards to meals. The fasted AUC0-t of Absorica is approximately 83% greater than that of Accutane, while both products are bioequivalent under federal conditions. Absorica is therefore not interchangeable and not substitutable with generic products of Accutane.
"Since isotretinoin dosing is weight-based, we are most pleased to make available these valuable, additional dosing options exclusively for Absorica," stated Ashish Anvekar, VP Brand Division North America at Ranbaxy. "This will give prescribers the enhanced flexibility to tailor the isotretinoin therapy, depending on the patient's weight, and benefit the group of patients who are in that weight range, irrespective of their dietary intake."