Sun Pharma gets FDA approval for ALS generic

MUMBAI, India The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version of a drug for a devastating muscular disorder.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced Tuesday the approval of riluzole hydrochloride in the 50-mg strength. The tablets are used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The drug is a generic version of Sanofi-Aventis’ Rilutek, which has sales of around $50 million, according to Sun.