Cadila Pharma unveils acidity drug in IV form

The Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Friday launched Rabeloc IV to become the first company in the world to introduce the Rabeprazole molecule in intravenous form.

Rabeprazole is used for control of gastric acid and complications arising out of severe forms of acidity.

Having filed for a patent for the drug, Cadila is in talks with foreign companies, which can obtain a licence to manufacture the drug overseas.

"We have filed for a patent of the drug and prospective partners are already seeking licence from us to manufacture and market the drug outside India, mainly in the US, Europe and Japan," said I A Modi, chairman of Cadila Pharmaceuticals, in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The gastro drugs market in India is pegged at around Rs 1,720 crore of which the anti-peptic ulcerates market is worth over Rs 660 crore in India.

Cadila is at present the fourth ranked player in this segment and aims to strengthen its position considerably with the launch of Rabeloc IV.

Modi said: "Continuing the philosophy of the company to make drugs available at affordable prices, Rabeloc IV is priced at Rs 45 per vial of 20 mg."

Rabeloc IV has been developed in just three years of research.

In a significant announcement, Modi stated that the company will soon file for patents of molecules or drug delivery systems in the fields of oncology, tuberculosis medication and AIDS control.

The company has been carrying out extensive research and development in these fields, he said.

"In the post-2005 era, the patented drugs will be the key difference for growth of companies. Cadila will shortly announce patents for drugs in the oncology (cancer care) tuberculosis cure and AIDS control segments," he said.

Cadila Pharma was also the first company to launch the oral dosage of Rabeprazole in December 2001.

"There was a persistent demand from gastroenterologists across India for a more potent, fast and safe drug on acidity. Cadila Pharma scientists have worked relentlessly on this drug during the past three years," said J Paraswani, vice-president, marketing, Cadila Pharmaceuticals.

Arun Maseeh, head, medical services of Cadila, stated that stomach ulcers because of acidity are not just common painful problems, but can be life threatening as well.

"In fact, the hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach is five times more potent than the acid we use domestically. Rabeloc has been tested on animals and humans and is found to be safe and does not react with other drugs," he said.

Reputed gastroenterologists of India who were present at the launch of Rabeloc, said that it is far more potent and quick than other drugs presently available for use and is an ideal drug that can be administered to patients that have been hospitalised.

The gastroenterologists included K R Palaniswamy, president elect of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, Rupesh Mehta, Sudhanshu Patwari and others.