Lupin launches injectable iron formulation in India

Lupin Limited has launched a novel iron isomaltoside 1000 injectable iron formulation under two brand names Isofer and Jilazo in India. Lupin acquired the exclusive rights to market, distribute and sell the novel injectable formulation from Denmark based Pharmacosmos A/S. The product is currently marketed in 33 countries, including 21 EU countries under the brand name Monofer.

Iron isomaltoside 1000 is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency when oral iron preparations are ineffective or cannot be used and when there is a clinical need to deliver iron rapidly. 

The hematinics market in India is currently worth around Rs 1931 crores and is growing at 11 percent. Out of this, the iron injectable market size is valued at Rs 310 crores with growth of 17 percent, according to IMS MAT August 2016. Injectable iron offers advantages over oral iron for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia across a wide range of disease states associated with iron deficiency.

Pharmacosmos is a family-owned, international healthcare company with more than 50 years of innovation and leadership in iron- and carbohydrate-based treatments and solutions for human and animal use. A research-based company, its ongoing R&D programme focuses on improving the lives of patients with iron deficiency with or without anaemia. More than 1 billion people live with iron deficiency anaemia and it is the leading cause of death for an estimated 180,000 people every year. This makes it one of the largest global health challenges of our time.

Iron deficiency is often associated with many chronic diseases such as renal diseases (including chronic kidney disease), cancers (including chemotherapy induced anaemia), gynaecologic disorders (including abnormal uterine bleeding) and gastrointestinal diseases (including inflammatory bowel disease).