Natco Pharma Ltd has launched Ibandronate Sodium in tablet and injection forms under the brand name of Bandrone.

Ibandronate Sodium is used in the treatment of metastatic bone disease and elevated serum calcium levels in tumours, Cancer cells, after breaking off from a primary tumour enter the main bloodstream, thereby reaching nearly all tissues of the body. Bones are one of the most common sites for these circulating cells to settle in and start growing. Metastases can occur in bones anywhere in the body, but they are mostly found in bones near the centre of the body.

Superior to Zoledronic acid, use of Ibandronate avoids monitoring of kidney function prior to each infusion and dose adjustments in patients with mild to moderate impairment.

A first time launch in India, this drug is competitively priced at Rs 2500/- per 6 mg injection and at Rs 49/- per 50 mg tablet, against the price of imported versions of Rs 13,500/- per injection and Rs 600/- per tablet.