Morepen Lab scrip soars 18 percent on USFDA nod for asthma drug

NEW DELHI: Shares of Morepen Laboratories today surged nearly 18 percent after the company said the US health regulator has given approval to Montelukast Sodium, used in managing asthma symptoms and seasonal allergies, for sale in the US market.

The stock soared 17.42 per cent to Rs 29.65 - its 52- week high - on BSE.

At NSE, shares of the company zoomed 17.89 per cent to touch a one-year high of Rs 29.65.

"The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has cleared Montelukast Sodium, a bulk drug/API manufactured by Morepen Laboratories, for sale in the US market," the company said in a regulatory filing.

"This gives Morepen an entry into the Rs 2,000 crore (approximately USD 300 million) US market for Montelukast. The first commercial orders for the bulk drug are expected in the second quarter of the next financial year," it added.

Morepen is the market leader for Montelukast in India with over 50 per cent market share, supplying to almost all major finished dosage manufacturers in India, it said.