Hyderabad based Natco Pharma has launched a new anti-cancer drug, geftinib 250 mg tablets under the brand name Geftinat. The generic drug introduced in India is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor, an official release said.

Geftinat is a monotherapy treatment for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer. Through anti-tumour activity, the drug slows down disease progression and helps to increase survival probabilities.

The drug is priced at Rs. 325 per tablet of 250 mg. It costs about one tenth of the cost of the international brand presently available in the market, the release said.

The other brands launched by the company in the oncology segment include Veenat, Zoldonat, Letronat and Temonat. Temonat was launched in September 2003, which is effective against certain forms of brain tumours.