The 213-crore Amil Pharmaceuticals now storms into the anti diabetic drug market with BGR-34 (blood glucose regulator with 34 phyto constituents). The herbal drug formulation for type-2 diabetes comprising of six herbs listed in ayurveda texts was developed jointly by research units of CSIR, National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). The product since its entry into the markets in the northern states registered revenues to the tune of Rs. 40 crore in the last six month.
The research and development by CSIR’s NBRI and CIMPA have now been transferred to Amil Pharmaceuticals which manufactures BGR 34 at its two manufacturing locations: New Delhi ad Nalgarh in Himachal Pradesh. The company invested Rs. 50 lakh for new plant machinery and now eyes generating Rs. 100 crore from this anti diabetic herbal formulation by March 2017. The company has manufactured about 15 crore of tablets over the last 8 months.
“Clinical trials data has proved that it has promising effect in managing blood glucose levels and even reduces the dependence on insulin for even Type 1 diabetic conditions. The drug costs Rs. 5 per tablet and is currently most affordable, safe and effective therapy for diabetics. Our target is the lower income and economically backward patients. Therefore we are focusing our market on rural and semi-urban along with the metros. Currently the sitagliptin formulations for diabetic care is priced at Rs. 360 for 15 tablets which is Rs. 24 per tablet as against Rs. 5 per tablet of GBR 34,” said Dr. Anil Kumar Sharma, vice president, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals India at a press conclave here to announce the formal entry of BGR-34 in Karnataka.
GBR 34 was launched on October 25, 2015 in sync with the CSIR founder’s day. Since then we have garnered revenues to the tune of Rs. 40 crore and target Rs. 100 crore by end of this fiscal. We are confident on the efficacy as the herb selection combined Daruharidra (Beriberis aristata), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium), Gudmar (Gymnema Sylvestre), Majeeth (Rubia cordifolia) and Methika (Trigonella foenum-graecum), stated Dr. Sharma.
According to Dr. AKS Rawat, senior principal scientist, CSIR-NBRI, a six crore adult population is reported to be diabetic in India and there has been no effective solution as yet. “We are sure that the medical fraternity will recommend this drug.”
“This drug is also found to improve liver and kidney function. It also provides the much needed antioxidant protective activity. No untoward effects were found in the therapy,” said Dr Daya Nandan Mani, senior scientist, CSIR-NBRI.
“With a strong marketing team of 1,000 sales force, we are gearing up to carry forward the benefits of this novel research to diabetic population both in India and abroad,” said KK Sharma, managing director, Amil Pharma.