Mumbai-based Kopran Ltd has entered into oral anti-diabetic market with the launch of Piotop [pioglitazone hydrochloride] and Prides [glimepiride]. Both the categories are currently well-accepted medications for the treatment of Type II diabetes. Piotop, in addition is indicated particularly for insulin-resistant diabetic patients.

Besides, Kopran has plans to introduce once a day Piotop — OB [pioglitazone with metformin] for the treatment of obese diabetic patients and once a day Piotop — UD [pioglitazone with glimepiride] with pellet technology for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled diabetes. The size of the oral anti-diabetic in India is estimated to be around Rs. 540 crore growing at about 23 per cent.

To improve the accessibility of these medicines to a much wider patient population, Kopran has planned to make Piotop, Piotop-OB, Piotop-UD and Prides available at affordable rates. For e.g. each tablet of Piotop 30 mg and Prides 2mg will cost Rs. 3 and Rs. 1.85 respectively to the patients.