Biocon introduces advanced therapy to treat Hepatitis C

NEW DELHI: Biotechnology major Biocon today launched advanced novel therapy for the treatment of Hepatitis C at low cost.

CIMIVIR-L, a fixed dose combination of Ledipasvir 90 mg and Sofosbuvir 400 mg, will be made available to patients in India at a fraction of the global cost of the innovator brand, Biocon Ltd said in a statement.

The cost of a 12-week course of this combination therapy in the US is USD 94,500 (about Rs 63 lakh).

Biocon, President-Marketing, Ravi Limaye said the introduction of CIMIVIR-LTM will strengthen the company's current portfolio of virology products.

"It furthers our commitment to offer affordable therapy for unmet patient needs in debilitating and life-threatening conditions," he added.

CIMIVIR-L is an equivalent of the innovator product commercialised by Gilead Sciences in the US.

Biocon had entered into a licensing agreement last year with US-based Gilead to manufacture and commercialise its chronic Hepatitis-C blockbuster product range, Sofosbuvir and Sofosbuvir-Ledipasvir combination in India and in select emerging markets.

These territories account for more than 50 per cent of the global Hepatitis C prevalence.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved the sale of Sofosbuvir-Ledipasvir combination, which is being manufactured in India under a license from Gilead.

CIMIVIR-L, a once-a-day oral therapy, will offer a convenient, effective and safe alternative to people infected with the Hepatitis-C virus (HCV).

It is estimated that nearly one lakh people die annually in India from HCV infection and co-morbidities.

CIMIVIR-L is indicated for Hepatitis-C Genotype 1 patients who account for 25 per cent of the total estimated HCV patient population of 18 million in the country.

Biocon stock was trading at Rs 507.20, up 5.28 per cent, on the BSE.