Suven Life Sciences, a Drug Discovery and development company, has finished the phase I clinical trial for its new molecule, SUVN 502 in healthy volunteers.

In a filing, Suven Life Sciences said, “The company has completed its Phase I multiple ascending dose study of SUVN-502 in healthy volunteers.”

The commercialization of generic equivalents of Lanthanum Carbonate - Fosrenol(r) - tablets is on the cards, thanks to collaboration between the Mumbai-based pharma biggie, Lupin, and the Hyderabad-based integrated pharmaceutical and bulk chemicals' manufacturer, Natco Pharma.

Talking about the Lupin-Natco collaboration for Fosrenol(r), a Natco spokesperson said that the accord will help Natco battle a patent lawsuit recently filed by the Fosrenol(r) innovator - the UK-based firm, Shire Plc.

Aurobindo Pharma, one of the largest API manufacturers in Asia, on Wednesday received its first approval from Swissmedic, Government of Switzerland for the license of Finasteride APL Tablets 5mg.

The drug is generic equivalent of MERCK & CO., Inc's Proscar Tablet.

Finasteride APL Tablet 5mg is used alone or in combination with another medication to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate gland). The drug is seen very effective in symptoms of BPH such as frequent and difficult urination. In addition, it also may decrease the chance of needing prostate surgery.

Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab, a global pharmaceutical company, has announced that it has got tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a combination drug containing Lamivudine and Stavudine, which is used in the treatment of AIDS.

In an announcement, the company said that the sanction for lamivudine and stavudine in 150-milligram/30-mg dosages in tablet form, was expedited under the provisions of the President`s Emergency Plant for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

In a latest development, Hyderabad-based drug developer Suven Life Sciences has informed that its molecule for Alzheimer's disease will soon enter phase two trials.

According to sources, the phase two trials will cost the company $20 million. The company is presently in the process of raising funds for the trials through a combination of debt, equity and strategic partner.

Last week, the company announced that more than half-a-dozen companies have shown interest in partnering the company for developing 'SUVN 502' molecule.

Takashi Shoda, the President and CEO of the Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo - which bought a majority stake in Ranbaxy Laboratories last year - said that the company soon intends meeting officials of US Food and Drugs Administration to sort out regulatory problems at the Ranbaxy plant at Poanta Sahib in India.