Elder Pharma launches 'Phytomega'

Mumbai, Feb 16 (UNI) City-based Elder Pharmaceuticals, a Rs 500 crore company, has announced the launch of its new product ''Phytomega'' that has been proven to reduce lipid levels in the body.

'Phytomega'', a combination of Omega-3 fatty acids and Phytosterols, has been licenced to Elder by an Israeli company, M/s Enzymotec which specialises in developing nutritional products for chronic disorders.

Clinical trials have documented the efficacy of ''Phytomega'' in reducing LDL as well as triglycerides (two types of lipids) as compared to statins (products used to lower lipids) which reduce either one of them. Since derived from natural sources, the product is devoid of side effects that would be associated with statins.

New York University Professor Dr Harold E Lobovitz, who was recently in India to speak to all leading physicians, cardiologists and general practitioners across the country about the benefits of the product, said, ''Many factors contribute to heart disease such as age, gender, family history, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia (high lipid levels). Over 70 per cent of patients who have premature coronary heart disease (CHD) have lipid disorders. We feel that lowering lipid levels in the body is an important strategy in primary and secondary prevention of these diseases.'' The total market size for this product is about Rs 500 crore, of which the primary market of Omega-3 fatty acids is worth Rs 100 crore.

UNI LS RN SG BST1651