Cipla launches generic Hepatitis C drug Hepcvir

The availability of product in other markets is subject to approvals from the regulatory authorities in the respective countries

Cipla, on Wednesday, announced the launch of generic drug Sofosbuvir for treating chronic Hepatitis C under the brand name Hepcvir.

“Following the non-exclusive licensing agreement signed with Gilead Sciences in September last to manufacture and market chronic Hepatitis C medicines, Cipla is now all set to make the drug Sofosbuvir available to Indian patients in a week’s time,” the company said in a statement.

“Cipla has always brought accessible and affordable medicines to fight against diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis B; hence, Cipla has made it a priority to bring Hepcvir to patients in India as well as the other developing nations,” Cipla Managing Director and Global CEO Subhanu Saxena said.

The availability of product in other markets is subject to approvals from the regulatory authorities in the respective countries, Cipla said.

“Sofusbuvir marks a new era of medicines in oral treatment of Hepatitis C, which reduce the need for injectables,” Cipla Chief Medical Officer Jaideep Gogtay said.

In India alone, around 12-18 million patients are estimated to be infected with Hepatitis C, which is several fold greater than those with HIV/AIDS, Cipla said.

Earlier this week, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has entered into an agreement with Hetero to distribute and market generic version of U.S.-firm Gilead Sciences’ Hepatitis C drug under the brand Resof.