Ranbaxy Laboratories has unveiled Synriam in India, to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in adults.

The Drug Controller General of India approved the new drug, indicated for relief from malaria-related symptoms, for marketing in India.

Ranbaxy CEO and managing director Arun Sawhney said Synriam will certainly become the preferred option in the hands of doctors to fight malaria, which every year claims more than half a million lives globally.

"This is a historic day for science and technology in India as well as for the pharmaceutical industry in the country. Today, India joins the elite and exclusive club of nations of the world that have demonstrated the capability of developing a new drug." Sawhney added.

Synriam has a simple dosage regimen of one tablet per day and is independent of dietary restrictions, the company said.

The production can be scaled up as and when required as Synriam has a synthetic source, unlike artemisinin-based drugs.