Natco Pharma launches Bortezomib injection

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) Natco Pharma Ltd today announced the launch of its brand Bortenat (Bortezomib) 3.5 mg injection, used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Bortenat is the first time launch of the Bortezomib generic in the world, in addition to being a first time introduction in India for the company.

''Natco Pharma expects Bortenat to catapult the company to the number one position among the domestic companies in the oncology segment,'' a company statement said.

Consistent with its policy of making life saving drugs affordable, the company has priced Bortenat at Rs 16,800 as against Rs 75,000 of the imported medicine.

This is the company's most significant launch after Imatinib Mesylate (launched under the brand name VEENAT).

Being a pre-1995 invention, the company does not expect any litigation around this molecule.

Multiple Myeloma (characterised 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.

From among the several types of blood cancers, Multiple Myeloma is the second most prevalent and represents one percent of all cancers.

Multiple Myeloma attributes about 2 per of all the cancer deaths.

In majority of the cases found, multiple myeloma appears to have affected people over 40 years.

UNI PV CS ND1518