Getwell Bio Therapies Pvt. Ltd, the Mumbai-based company dedicated to develop and market products of natural origin for the prevention, management and cure of various ailments, has launched Colosum, a dietary supplement based on bovine colostrum for the HIV infected.

Colosum is claimed to be world's first dietary supplement based on bovine colostrums, with multivitamins, multiminerals and antioxidants.

Dr SS Juss, director, operations, Getwell Bio Therapies told Pharmabiz, "Colosum, the natural health supplement, through it's major component, colostrum helps to strengthen the patient's weak immune system and protects them from the onslaught of the HIV virus."

Colostral immune factor, lactoferrin is one of the best ways to reduce viral levels in the body. Immunoglobulins, the powerful antiviral and antibacterial in bovine colostrums, protects from infections. Further, growth factors in colostrum promote tissue repair, heal damage to the gut, improve gut efficiency and combat AIDS associated diarrhoea. Growth factors, in particular, IGF 1, found naturally in colostrums, showed an increase in lean muscle mass among AIDS patients, which greatly improves quality of life. Anyone with a poorly functioning immune system can benefit from Colosum, he claimed.

Colostrum is the mammary secretion a mammal provides its newborn within the first 24 to 48 hours. It contains numerous immune system and growth factors as well as essential nutrients, trypsin, and protease inhibitors that protect it from destruction in the gastrointestional (GI) tract. It is estimated that colostrum triggers at least 50 processes in the newborn.

Colosum, presently marketed in India, will be launched in Nairobi, Kenya by the middle of this year.

Dr Juss said, "The Kenya Medical Research Institute has shown interest in the product and they have agreed to conduct the trails in the institute and we hope to launch the product by middle of this year. Here in Mumbai, a number of hospitals including JJ Hospital have shown interest in Colosum."

Colosum powder is available in a sachet of 3gm. Recommended dosage is 1-2 sachet per day, for 20-30 days. It costs Rs 320 per pack of 10 sachets.

So far the company had launched five products based on Colostrum, namely, Jiyo-food supplement for people who are suffering from chronic ailments and under constant medication, Jiyo Kid-immune booster for children, Colovit-multi vitamin, multi mineral supplement, Zeniss to enhance sexual function and libido in men, Colofer-soft gelatine neutracutical capsules for women. Among these, Zeniss and Jiyo are under registration process while Colovit has been already given approval in Kenya.

The company has its sales force in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and plans to start marketing in Uttar Pradesh.