NeoBiocon partners with Novartis to offer anti-diabetes drug Vildagliptin in UAE

NeoBiocon, a collaboration between Biocon and B R Shetty, Chairman of the UAE-based Neopharma, said on Wednesday that it has partnered with Novartis Middle East FZE, to market anti-diabetic drug Jalra and Jalra-M in UAE from January.

This partnership will help NeoBiocon expand its product offerings in the metabolics segment and will benefit diabetics in UAE, the firm said in a statement.

Vildagliptin is an oral anti-diabetic agent that delivers consistent and robust blood sugar control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is a class of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, which does not cause weight gain and have low risks for hypoglycaemia.

 

The overall market for oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) in UAE is estimated to be $115 million and DPP-IV inhibitors command nearly 50% share of this market.

NeoBiocon has received approvals from the Ministry of Health-UAE for marketing Jalra and Jalra-M in the country. These products will be manufactured by Novartis in Europe and marketed and distributed by NeoBiocon in UAE after local release through Neopharma.

In the statement, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, CMD, Biocon, said: "Biocon is committed to offer advanced therapies for diabetics the world over. We are indeed pleased to partner with Novartis to offer Jalra and Jalra-M to address the growing needs of type 2 diabetes patients in UAE."

Founded in 2011, NeoBiocon is amongst the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in UAE and is ranked amongst the top 25 pharma companies in the region. It is the no.1 generic pharma company in UAE, in the cardiovascular segment with successful brands like Statix (atorvastatin). NeoBiocon is committed to bring innovative products to the GCC market and enhancing capabilities of the local manufacturers, the company said.