Hetero launches FDC combination of key HIV drugs

MUMBAI: Hyderabad based Hetero pharmaceuticals on Tuesday said that it has received the approval from Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch the first-ever generic fixed-dose combination (FDC) drug ‘Darunavir + Ritonavir’ in India. The product will be marketed and distributed under the brand name ‘DANAVIR-R’ in India by Hetero Healthcare Ltd. It will be made available in three strengths - 800/100mg, 600/100mg and 400/50mg.

The FDC drug ‘Darunavir+Ritonavir’ is an anti-retroviral medication indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in treatment-experienced adult patients. This first-ever drug combination, a once-daily dose, simplifies the patient’s treatment with one tablet taken every day along with other anti-retroviral agents, ensuring that the drugs are taken in correct proportions, Hetero said in a statement to press. This ‘2-in-1’ combination therapy improves the patient’s adherence to treatment, while improving the quality of life.

“Hetero is proud to extend its latest offering ‘Darunavir+Ritonavir’ FDC in three strengths for HIV/AIDS patients. We will continue to invest in R&D capabilities and will develop such world-class anti-retroviral drug combinations in future,” said Dr. B.P.S. Reddy, CMD, Hetero Group of Companies.