German Remedies, part of the Zydus Cadila group, has launched the generic version of biotech drug filgrastim used to support cancer therapy, in a strategic collaboration with Biosidus, part of the Argentinean drug major Sidus.

Launched as the brand Colstim, last week, the drug belongs to Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF), used as a supportive therapy along with radical chemo regimen in certain forms of cancers. The drug is made available in the injectable form and is priced Rs 2400 for 300 mcg vial.

This is the first strategic alliance of the Zydus Cadila group with the Argentinean drug major Sidus, and more products have been lined up for launch from their stable, J C Jani, managing director of German Remedies and executive director of Zydus Cadila told Pharmabiz. Biosidus, the biotech arm of Sidus, is the first company to develop human growth hormones from the milk of cloned transgenic cows.

“The drug has excellent cleansing action of the dead cells and rejuvenates the normal cells helping effective chemotherapy and fast recovery of the patient. The drug is a proven product all over the world and is currently available in 17 countries” elaborated B V Ramana, marketing manager of German Remedies.

Jani said German Remedies, now growing significantly after its merger with the Zydus group by reducing manufacturing costs and effective management of raw materials, competitive pricing and by widening the drug basket, is planning to launch about 20 new products in near future. This includes an oral women contraceptive from the Schering AG stable. The company was earlier dependent mainly on its prime brand Deriphyllin, which is now a Rs 54 crore odd brand. Also, German Remedies was marketing almost 80 per cent of the drugs from its parent companies. Now 60 per cent of the drugs are locally manufactured and have about 30 products, said Jani.

The company has strong presence in high-growth areas like female healthcare, respiratory problems, gastric diseases, oncology etc.