Pharmaceutical firm Cipla today said it has launched a generic version of Pirfenidone, a drug used against a form of chronic progressive lung disease, in India.
The company said in a statement that it has launched its generic drug under the brand Pirfenex, for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
Commenting on the launch, Cipla Medical Director J Gogtay said, "The launch of Pirfenex is a significant step forward. With increased availability and affordability, Pirfenex could now offer hope to those afflicted with this condition."
Pirfenex has been priced at Rs 28 per tablet.
Cipla said while till now there is no approved treatment for IPF, the drug has shown to slow down progression of this terminal disease and stabilise lung function.
Pirfenex will be manufactured at Cipla's manufacturing facility at Himachal Pradesh, which is approved by WHO, MCC – South Africa and TGA – Australia, it added.
InterMune Inc had bought patent and intellectual property rights of Pirfenidone from Marnac, Inc and KDL GmbH in 2007.