The Hyderabad-based Genova Biotechniques in collaboration with Lee Pharma has introduced natural Calcitriol, which is claimed to be the world's first such molecule that has been extracted from a plant source. The product is branded as 'Lesoris'.
Toxicology tests and trials have been conducted. Genova has already filed Indian and international patents for the product and process. Calcitriol is used in the treatment of osteoporosis and psoriasis besides several other disorders. It has been available in synthetic form from China.
The molecule has been developed with the support of CSIR laboratories and AVRA Labs. The plant extraction work has been carried out at Genova's Hyderabad facility. Lee Pharma has partnered Genova in this initiative, which has launched the product in a soft gel form for Osteoporosis and as an ointment for psoriasis.
Dr P Mitra, chairman and managing director of Genova Biotechniques told Pharmabiz that the company would initially introduce the product in Andhra Pradesh and ensure national presence by the end of December, 2006. The product is, also expected to be registered in CIS countries in next six months following which the company will foray into regulated markets of Europe, North America and Japan.
A Venkata Reddy, managing director of Lee Pharma, said, the company will enable products reach overseas markets. It exports its products to about 30 countries today.
It is learnt, Genova and Lee Pharma are working on biotechnology areas with focus on insulin, diabetic and oncology products for which collaborations with international companies is in progress.
In India, the estimated market for Calcitriol capsules will be close to Rs 70 crore growing at a rate of 20 per cent annually and globally this segment is valued at over Rs 200 crore, sources said.
Dr Somaraju, founder, Care Hospital, said, the prevalence of diseases such as Osteoporosis and Psoriasis are increasing constantly besides problems such as chronic kidney and renal failures and diabetes causing a major concern. Pricing and accessibility of products for treatment of these disorders will be critical to the country in the near future.
The product was formally launched at Hyderabad on Sunday in the presence of leading scientists and industry leaders. The founder of AVRA Labs, Dr AV Rama Rao; leading researcher Dr Habibullah, former CCMB director Dr PM Bhargava; leading dermatologist, Dr Raghurama Rao; founder of Care Hospitals, Dr Somaraju; chairman of Aurobindo Pharma, PV Rama Prasad Reddy were present on the occasion.