Novo Nordisk to introduce diabetic care drug

Novo Nordisk, the $5.2 billion pharma major, plans to strengthen its diabetic care presence in India by introducing haemostasis (prevention of blood loss through a damaged vessel wall) management.

As part of the haemostasis management, the company plans to cover red blood cell transfusion, reduce complications like multiple organ failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome besides others.

The company is working towards launching its latest blockbuster NovoSeven, a drug for internal bleeding, in India by year-end. Currently, the drug is in the various stages of clinical trials in select cities.

According to the company, the drug, in addition to being effective in haemostasis management, is also used for intracerebral haemorrhage, which is the least treatable form of stroke.

Said Jesper Hoiland, senior vice-president, regional international operations of Novo Nordisk: "After the promising global clinical trial results in 2004 for the use of NovoSeven in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), we are positive the drug will be of much use in India. We have so far treated 3.5 lakh patients globally with this drug for ICH. After getting the necessary approvals, the drug is in active use in the United States and Israel. The drug has also found its use in battle-scarred Iraq."

"In India, Novo Nordisk is conducting trials at Fortis Hospital in Delhi and in a few hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai and NovoSeven is expected to hit the market by end of this year after all necessary guidelines are completed," said Sanjeev M Shishoo, managing director & vice president (international operations), Novo Nordisk India.

In the Rs 900 crore diabetes care market, Novo Nordisk, according to ORG-MARG, has 19 per cent marketshare followed by US Vitamins 14 per cent and Aventis 9 per cent.