PRINCETON, N.J. — Ranbaxy Laboratories Inc. has launched 25-mg and 35-mg capsules for Absorica (isotretinoin), an acne medication, in the U.S. market.

Ranbaxy said Wednesday that Absorica has become the most-prescribed branded oral isotretinoin in the United States, according to a recent independent survey conducted with dermatologists.

The product, for patients ages 12 and older, is licensed by Ranbaxy from Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc.

A form of vitamin A, isotretinoin is used to treat severe nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments, including antibiotics.

Because of isotretinoin’s high lipophilicity, oral absorption of the drug is enhanced when given with a high-fat meal, but Absorica, formulated using patented Lidose technology, can be given without regards to meals, Ranbaxy noted.

"Since isotretinoin dosing is weight-based, we are most pleased to make available these valuable, additional dosing options exclusively for Absorica," stated Ashish Anvekar, vice president of Ranbaxy’s brand division in North America. "This will give prescribers the enhanced flexibility to tailor the isotretinoin therapy depending on the patient’s weight and benefit the group of patients who are in that weight range, irrespective of their dietary intake. Ranbaxy continuously seeks to innovate and bring value based options to the specialty of dermatology and patients."