The Himalaya Drug Company, one of India's leading herbal health and personal care companies launched Liv.52 HB, the first herbal drug for the effective management of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The drug is an US patent-pending phytopharmaceutical formulation that is recommended for the treatment of HBV infection. Liv.52 HB exerts antiviral activity and enhances the antioxidant defense system.
According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), more than 40 million (4 crore) people in India suffer from HBV infection. Many others are at the risk of developing the disease. The current available drugs for the treatment include antivirals, interferons and immunoglobins, which are known to have serious side effects. These include nephrotoxicity, neurovegetative symptoms and anemia. Moreover, the cost of a course of treatment for the condition is between Rs 10,000 – Rs 1 lakh.
“Our flagship brand, Liv.52 is already widely prescribed for Hepatitis A. We felt that we could use this knowledge and understanding to explore a drug for HBV infection. Available treatments, while effective, come with serious side effects and are very costly. We wanted to develop a drug that would be as effective as allopathic treatments, in addition be free of side effects and affordable,” said Mr. Philipe Haydon, CEO, Pharmaceutical Division, The Himalaya Drug Company.
Research for Himalaya’s HBV infection drug began 14 years ago. “We screened over 100 herbs before finding the right composition to treat HBV infection. Our drug development process follows all allopathic protocols that are required to ensure safety and efficacy, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines,” said Dr. Pralhad Patki, Head—Medical Services & Clinical Trials, The Himalaya Drug Company.
“Clinical studies on Liv.52 HB have revealed that the efficacy rate is comparable to that of current available treatments without any side effects, even after long-term administration. Studies on Liv.52 HB have been published in Antiviral Research and World Journal of Gastroenterology, amongst others. Moreover, the entire cost of six-month treatment with Liv.52 HB comes to just Rs 4,680!” explained Mr. Haydon.
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Key Facts
* The overall HBV infection treatment market size in India is Rs 216 crore, growing at 21%, as per ORG-MIS (September 2011)
* The current allopathic available treatments include antivirals, interferons and immunoglobins. The treatments are known to have significant side effects, which include nephrotoxicity, neurovegetative symptoms and anemia. Drug resistance is extremely common during or after the treatment
* Rs 10,000 – Rs 1 lakh for a six-month treatment
Liv.52 HB
* India-first US patent pending herbal formulation for HBV infection
* Efficacy rates comparable to available allopathic treatments
* Devoid of side effects
* Affordable therapy: Six month treatment costs Rs 4,680
About Himalaya Drug Company:
The Himalaya Drug Company was founded in 1930 by Mr. M. Manal with a clear vision to bring Ayurveda to the society in a contemporary form and to demystify the 5,000-year-old system of medicine. Starting operations in Dehradun way back in the 1930s, the company later spread its wings to Mumbai and subsequently across the country. In 1975, the company set up an advanced manufacturing facility in Makali, Bangalore which today houses the corporate headquarters. In 1991, the company relocated its R&D facility to Bangalore. The personal care line launched in 1999 has given a new dimension to Himalaya's consumer push.
Today with over 200 products spanning pharmaceuticals, personal care, baby care and animal health, Himalaya’s portfolio covers the entire wellness spectrum, offering head-to-heel herbal healthcare for every member of the family.
Neem, Lasuna, Shallaki, Ashwagandha, Karela from the Pure Herbs range as well as Dental Cream, Hair Loss Cream, Shampoos are amongst its top sellers.
In March 2001, the company was granted the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certificate, issued by the Licensing Authority, Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, Bangalore.
