Two more pharma companies have come out in the open saying that they would not be withdrawing rofecoxib brands from the market after Ranbaxy. Micro Labs and Juggat Pharma, both Karnataka-based, will have a short-duration prescription mode to market the product despite Merck's announcement of a voluntary pull out of its brand Vioxx.

Micro Labs, a major player in marketing rofecoxib in the state, has taken a decision to adopt a strategy of short-term management of the drug prescription. It has already communicated to its medical practitioners that Rofica should be prescribed only for a short duration.

“We have taken a decision to market the drug because there is no ban on it," G Jayaraj, general manager- products Micro Labs told pharmabiz.com

The scientific evidence shows that rofecoxib when prescribed for prolonged use to chronic cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis was harmful. A continuous use of rofecoxib over a period of 18 months showed risks of cardiovascular problems. “In the wake of this finding, Micro Labs' action plan is to ensure a decrease in the usage of Rofica,” stated Jayaraj.

Micro Labs commenced marketing of rofecoxib brand in 2001. Currently Rofica generates sales to the tune of Rs 5 crore. The total value of the rofecoxib brands in India is around Rs 150 crore. “Following the change in prescription, the drug is expected to show a slump in sales of around 40 percent,” pointed out Jayaraj.

The company issued a formal letter to all doctors recommending use of Rofica only for short-term duration.

Juggat Pharma's brand, Monro, is not a major product for the company. The brand is generating sales to the tune of Rs 4 to 6 lakh only.

The company has not withdrawn the brand. "Since Monro is not a top-of-the-line brand for us, it is a 'wait and watch' situation for the present. We are however looking at the drug reactions during prolonged use," stated Sunil Chipunkar, marketing manager, Juggat Pharma.

Juggat intends to modify the brand or probably introduce another old molecule which is safe and sans controversy, informed Chipunkar.

Once a seed of doubt is planted by Merck, the innovator company, the pharma companies in the country could have a fear whether to continue to market the molecule, informed sources in the industry said. They view the game plan of voluntary withdrawal of the brands of rofecoxib more as a financial gain for Merck which has a drug ‘Aroxei’ in the pipeline that is perceived to be a money spinner for the company. If Merck intends to market the drug they need to kill all brands of rofecoxib in the market, they asserted.

Another source in the industry pointed out that it was high time pharma companies who are the inventors of molecules of COX-2 drug , should carry warnings of the hazards of over use of the drugs.