Hetero launches biosimilar Rituximab in India

Hyderabad based Hetero pharma has launched biosimilar drug Rituximab under the brand name of MABALL, used in the treatment of blood cancer. Hetero will be competing with Intas, Dr Reddys who have biosimilar brand of this product. Rituximab was originally developed by Swiss drug maker Roche and is also used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Hetero will launch a single dose vial of 100mg/10 ml and 500mg/50ml.

"Biosimilar is one of the key strategic business areas for Hetero. We have invested in biosimilar and will introduce more biosimilar MABs (mono clonal antibodies) in future. We also have plans to introduce affordable biosimilar Rituximab into key markets outside India through our partners", said Bandi Parthasaradhi Reddy, CMD Hetero group.

This is the second biosimilar launch by the company, in June last year it had launched Actorise in collaboration with Cipla, a drug is used in treatment of anaemia caused due to kidney failure.