Today good news spread on the internet. The Hyderabad based NATCO Pharma Ltd. has re-launched its first nanotechnology drug Albupax, it is used in the treatment of breast cancer. Albupax is the first basic version of the international brand, which is patented by Abraxis Biosciences, USA. It is the brand name of NATCO consists of Paclitaxel in an Albumin bound nano-particle form. In India NATCO has been developed by first albumin-bound Paclitaxel in the country.
Natco had also launched this product last year but the DCGI said the drug might cause liver damage, then Natco had stopped the production, distribution and marketing of the drug in July 2009.
A Natco Pharma spokesperson said, “We are looking to relaunch the drug after the alleged failure of our drug in the government’s Kolkata-based Central Drug Laboratory (CDL). But we have yet to decide the timing of the launch.” It is true that, the currently numbers of breast cancer is on the rise in India, and every year over one lakh new patients are added. The Company announced the price at Rs 11,500, each 100 milligram (mg) vial of the Albupax. The Industry estimates put in the Indian market for the drug at Rs. 150 crore.
The Health Minister has said about this product, “we will conduct more tests and and if found safe, Natco can relaunch the product.” Last week the company announced the drugs controller general of India (DGCI) and government labs also agreed that the drug was found safe after testing. The company is also exploring the possibility of a tie-up for taking this brand to international markets.
The Company also planning to collaborated with other big companies for taking this brand in international market. Health secretary K. Sujatha Rao said, “Everyone has a right to appeal and when Natco appealed, the minister asked that their appeal be lodged and then stayed the DCGI’s order.”
Source: www.dancewithshadows.com
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