Cipla launches generic drug to treat H1N1

12 Nov 2009 Evaluate

Indian drug major Cipla has launched generic versions of anti-flu drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir in the local market to treat the H1N1 influenza, which is spreading across the globe and in India. Cipla will brand oseltamivir in the local market as Antiflu and zanamivir as Virenza. Antiflu will cost Rs 475 for 10 capsules, in line with the price of competing products in the market. Virenza — an inhaled drug — will cost Rs 800, which includes the price for an inhalation device.

 

Cipla’s Antiflu is a copycat version of Swiss multi-national Hoffmann-La Roche’s Tamiflu and Virenza is the copy of GlaxoSmithKline’s Relenza. Both drugs, used globally to treat the ongoing H1N1 pandemic, lack patent protection in India as these are pre-1995 innovations. Such innovations are not granted patents in India, according to the product patent regime introduced in the country since 2005.

 

The company is equipped to make 2 million doses of oseltamivir a month, in case of any eventuality. Already 450 people have died of H1N1 in India and the winter season may cause further spread of the virus.

 

Now the US is facing a shortage of oseltamivir and the company has already informed its readiness to supply the drug if needed. It makes about 20 drugs in the anti-viral segment and are among the global leaders in this category.

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