Bortezomib injection for cancer treatment launched

Hyderabad, Aug 24 (UNI) NATCO Pharma Limited, the city-based pharma company has announced the launch of its brand-Bortenat (Bortezomib) 3.5 mg injection, used in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

''Bortenat will be the first time launch of the bortezomib generic in the world, in addition to being a first time introduction in India.'' ''NACTO has priced Bortenat at Rs 16,800 MRP, as against Rs 75,000 of the imported medicine. Being a pre 1995 invention, NATCO does not expect any litigation around this molecule.'' Multiple Myeloma (characterized by the abnormal plasma cell in the bone marrow) is cancer of the plasma cell, which represents the immune system that produces immunoglobulins to help fight infection and disease.

Among the several types of blood cancers, Multiple Myeloma is the second most prevalent and represents one percent of all cancers. From among cancer deaths, about 2 per cent can be attributed to multiple myeloma. while the cause of multiple myeloma remains a mystery, in 99 per cent of the cases, multiple myeloma appears to have affected people over 40 years old.

Terming it as a ''significant launch after Imatinib Mesylate (lauched under the brand name VEENAT),'' it expects Bortenat to be a blockbuster and ''this launch would catapult NATCO No 1 position among the domestic companies in the oncology segment,'' the company said in a statement here today.

UNI DB ROY 1744