RANBAXY LAUNCHES RANICLOR CHEWABLE CEPHALOSPORIN TABLET.

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RPI), Jacksonville, Fla., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (RLL), has launched Raniclor(TM) (cefaclor tablets, chewable). Raniclor is the first and only cephalosporin chewable in the market and is available in 125 mg, 187 mg, 250 mg, and 375 mg strengths. It is a chewable antibiotic that features a twice or three times a day dosing regimen. Raniclor is indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections, including otitis media, lower respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and urinary tract infections. Cefaclor sales totaled $16.7 million in 2003 (IMS: March 2004).

Raniclor's novel modality adds to the physician's armamentarium in treating bacterial infections. Raniclor is a chewable option featuring a fruity flavor that does not need refrigeration and provides ease of dosing in patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. Ceclor(R) is the branded version of cefaclor by Eli Lilly and Company that is offered only as an oral suspension and capsule form.

Jeff Thomas, vice president, Brand Products Division at Ranbaxy USA, an affiliate of RPI which provides marketing and promotion services to RPI, said, "Raniclor represents another milestone for Ranbaxy, as we position the company in the branded pharmaceutical business. As innovators in medicine, we want to enhance the quality of life for patients and develop practical treatment options to be used by physicians. We believe Raniclor fulfills a need as a reliable, anti-infective chewable tablet."

About Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("RPI") based in Jacksonville, Florida, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited ("RLL"), India's largest pharmaceutical company. RPI is engaged in the sale and distribution of generic and branded prescription products in the U.S. healthcare system.

About Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, India's largest pharmaceutical company, manufactures and markets brand and generic pharmaceuticals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. Ranbaxy's continued focus on R&D has resulted in several approvals in developed markets and significant progress in New Drug Discovery Research. Ranbaxy's foray into Novel Drug Delivery Systems has led to proprietary "platform technologies" resulting in a number of products under development. The company is selling its products in over 100 countries and has an expanding international portfolio of affiliates, joint ventures and alliances, ground operations in 34 countries and manufacturing operations in 7 countries.

For more information, call 609/720-5615.