Zydus launches top anti-diabetic drug after it goes off patent; prices to fall by 60 per cent

New Delhi, July 8

Ahmedabad based Zydus Lifesciences on Friday launched top anti-diabetic drug molecule Sitagliptin in India under the brand names Sitaglyn and Siglyn to address Type 2 diabetes.

Sitaglyn and Siglyn will add on to a comprehensive solution for the management of Type 2 diabetes by providing access to quality care to the patients at an affordable cost, approximately 60 pc less than the originator.

The launch of the generic version has become possible after US pharma major Merck drug’s Sitagliptin, previously marketed under the brand Januvia, fell off patent.

More Indian pharma companies are expected to announce generic versions now. While the original drug regime cost around Rs 450 a day treatment, the new will cost less than Rs 18 a day, industry sources said.

“Sitaglyn and Siglyn offer an oral solution to the patients providing ease of convenience and better compliance. Sitagliptin is the gold standard drug with over 62 pc market share in the global market. The drug has a proven safety profile,”Zydus said.

With more than 77 million active patients, India is the diabetes capital of the world after China. As per the data, 67 pc of these patients are unable to achieve their goal.

Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences said “The addition of Sitaglyn and Siglyn to our diabetes portfolio will give patients access to a world-class oral therapy to help people manage their diabetes better by making it more affordable. Our high quality product will expand the reach of the molecule to patients in India, supported by our wide distribution network. The drug will help patients achieve their treatment goals reducing the disease burden and providing better patient-care and quality of life.”

India’s oral anti-diabetic market is worth Rs 125 billion.

TYPES OF DIABETES 

In Type 1 diabetes (previously called juvenile diabetes) the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its pancreatic tissues, interrupting insulin production and leading to high blood sugar. It is not caused due to lifestyle issues and does not go away on its own. It requires lifelong management.

In Type 2 (the most common form of diabetes), the body’s cells are unable to use insulin properly leading to high blood sugar and diabetes. This is caused by factors including genetics and lifestyle and is easier to manage with lifestyle changes.