Elder pharma to market Roche Osteoporosis drug Bonviva in India

Mumbai, Dec 14 (UNI) Roche announced today that is had finalized an agreement for its new and novel postmenopausal osteoporosis drug Bonviva to be marketed by Elder Pharamaceuticals Ltd in India.

Roche India Managing Director Dr G L Telang told media persons that Roche's move to launch an osteoporosis drug in India came in the wake of rising incidence of the disease among Indians. It was commonly seen in women over 50 yers of age who were in the ostmenopausal life stage; however, a significant number of men too reported to be suffering from this condition. It was estimated that nearly 30 million Indians were affected by osteoporosis, with women bearing the major brunt of this disease.

Dr Telang said ''We are very pleased to make available in India the once monthly Bonviva 150 mg tablet for postmenopausal osteoporosis. We can now offer women with postmenopausal osteoporosis an effective and more convenient regimen which may improve compliance leading to sustained bone strenghening benefits over time.'' Meanwhile, Elder Pharma Director Mr Alok Saxena said ''We have an expertise in marketing women's health care products in India and also an extensive distribution network reaching the micro interior towns and villages. Bonviva and Shelcal (calcium supplement) may be prescribed together in the treatment of osteoporosis thereby giving a ready market to Roche's product.'' UNI AR KU SKB1403