Wockhardt launches new product for treating a skin disorder

Mumbai, Jan 24 (UNI) Pharmaceutical and biotechnology major Wockhardt today signed an in-licensing agreement with UK-based Crawford Healthcare to market 'Viticolor', a skin camouflage gel for topical application for vitiligo patients Vitiligo, popularly called leucoderma, is a skin disorder that affects three to four percent of the Indian population.

The licensing deal follows the launch of Vitix, a patented product from LSI of UK, for the treatment of vitiligo, in the Indian market this week.

In a statement here today, Wockhardt chairman Mr Habil khorakiwala said, ''We bring to India new products that have proved their effectiveness in Europe and USA .'' Viticolor's effect is expected to last for almost a week compared to the currently available camouflages imported into India , which lasts for less than 24 hours. It is safe for long-term use and claims to improve quality of life index. It is already marketed in Europe, North America, Africa and South East Asia .

As in the case of Vitix, Wockhardt will manufacture Viticolor in India from imported active ingredients. Viticolor will be launched in the second quarter of 2007 by Wockhardt's dedicated dermatology team.

UNI