Lupin's herbal cure for migraine in 2008

Varanasi, Jan 8 (UNI) Pharmaceutical major Lupin will come out with a wonder herbal drug in 2008, offering complete cure to the problem of migraine headache.

''The drug being developed at the Lupin Research Park, Pune is presently under Phase III clinical trial and is expected to be launched by 2008,'' S K Kumra, Vice-President (Exports) of the International Division of the Rs 2,000 crore pharma major told UNI here today.

An alumnus of the Benaras Hindu University, Mr Kumra was in the city to attend the 3rd International BHU Alumni Meet which concluded today.

Besides Indians, over 28 million Americans are suffering from migraine -- a type of headache which is often severe, Mr Kumra said, adding, ''though the management of this form of pain has improved, still there is no cure for the disorder.'' ''Lupin is developing a wonder drug totally on a herbal platform, which will offer a complete cure to migraine. The drug that resembles a nasal drop will cure even the severest of migraine within three to six months and will replace the present drugs which have to be administered lifelong to a patient to manage the presently non-curable disorder, Mr Kurma maintained.

A company with 500-strong product lines and presence in over 50 countries, including South East Asian Nations, China, Europe and the US, Lupin has targeted a business of Rs 4,500 crore by 2009 and its herbal platform will be an important tool for hitting the target, he added.

''Lupin is a company which is the global leader in anti-tuberculosis drugs, besides being strong in cardio-vascular medications. Now, we are going to stress on herbal medicines to achieve the targeted growth,'' he stated.

A law graduate from BHU in 1973, he said the pharma major is interested in working with the central university for quality research and development activities.

''We have been working with experts from the Faculty of Ayurveda in the past, but now want to cement that cooperation through a proper tie-up. Lupin is also contemplating working closely with the pharmaceutical engineering department of IT BHU and Faculty of Management Studies at the central university,'' Mr Kumra maintained.

UNI