The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has given final approval to the US-based Zydus Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Zydus Cadila to promote Ramipril capsules, in different potencies including 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg.

Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is used for treating high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

Moreover, it is a prodrug and is converted to the active metabolite ramiprilat by liver esterase enzymes.

Headquartered in Gujarat, Cadila Healthcare is the flagship company of the Zydus Cadila group. It is the fifth biggest pharmaceutical company in India, with $290 million in turnover in 2004. It is engaged in pharmaceuticals (human formulations, veterinary formulations and bulk drugs), diagnostics, herbal products, skin care products and OTC products.

At 11:59 am, shares of Cadila Healthcare stood at Rs 335.05, down 0.4%, on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).