Glaxo ready to roll out four drugs in 4 months

GSK Pharmaceuticals, the Indian arm of the global drug major GlaxoSmithKline PLC, plans to launch four drugs in India within the second quarter of calendar year 2008.

This will include two in-licensed drugs - Rotarix, a rotavirus vaccine, and breast cancer drug Tykerb from its parent stable.

"We are in the process of in licensing two major drugs in the cardiovascular and critical care segments for the domestic market. We are not in a position to give more details as the deals are yet to be closed," said Hasit Joshipura, managing director, GSK Pharmaceuticals.

He said the company would launch Rotarix, which helps prevent the rotavirus diseases. Rotavirus causes diarrhoea in infants.

A group of US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) vaccine experts cleared the vaccine yesterday. USFDA will decide on approval for the drug in the US by April 3.

Tykerb (lapatinib), the other drug slated for launch in India soon, is indicated for some forms of breast cancer and was approved by USFDA in March last year. Globally, Tykerb is expected to post sales of over $1 billion by 2010, according to analysts.

GSK also plans to launch Cervarix, GSK's much touted cervical cancer vaccine, by next year in India. The vaccine provides immunisation against the human papilloma virus (HPV).

"Another drug that is in the pipeline is a streptococcus pneumonia vaccine to be launched by 2010," said Hasit Joshipura.

He said vaccines currently contribute about 10 per cent to GSK's business and with the new launches, the business would grow substantially. The firm also hopes to launch more biological products from the parent company's stable, he said.

GSK is currently conducting about 14 clinical trials in India as part of its global program. "India will continue to be a major research and development centre for GSK's global activities," Joshipura said.