New Delhi, Feb. 23: Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (RLL), the domestic pharmaceutical major, today announced that it has received tentative approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to manufacture and market Modafinil Tablets in 100 mg and 200 mg strengths. Modafinil is the generic version of the innovator drug Provigil, which is made by Cephalon.

Ranbaxy, which is increasingly counting on the US market as its engine for big-ticket growth, estimates that the total market for Provigil (Modafinil) tablets is around $297 million.

Modafinil is indicated to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Sales and marketing for this product will be supported by Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc, a wholly-owned unit of RLL.