Mumbai, March 28 (PTI): Pharmaceutical company, Strides Arcolab has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Efavirenz tablets, an anti-HIV drug.

Efavirenz, is the generic version of Bristol Myers Squibb's 'Sustiva', which helps in preventing the HIV virus from reproduction. It is also used in combination with other anti-retroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-infections and tuberculosis, Strides Arcolab informed the BSE.

"We now have ANDA/NDA approvals for all first line anti-retroviral drugs. This will give major boost to our AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) initiative particularly in Africa and the South Asian countries," Strides Arcolab Vice Chairman and Managing Director Arun Kumar said.

The USFDA approval for Efavirenz tablets was under the expedited review provisions of the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) programme, Strides Arcolab said.

The company is in partnership with Clinton Foundation to ensure availability of affordable quality generic ARVs in least developed countries, it added.

**** United Credit to acquire stakes in United Nanotech

Kolkata-based United Credit today said United Nanotechnologies Pvt Ltd has become its wholly-owned subsidiary pursuant to it buying 2.55 lakh shares in the latter.

In December 2006, United Credit has bought over seven lakh shares in the company. With the recent deal, United Credit now owns the majority shares in the latter, the company informed the BSE.