Hyderabad based Natco Pharma Limited (NPL) has announced the launch of Temozolomide from its oncology segment under the brand name 'Temonat' for treatment of certain forms of brain tumours.

Temonat is being launched in different strengths of 5 mg, 20 mg, 100 mg and 250 mg capsules. Temozolomide was available in India through imports and Natco's Temonat is expected to be priced 25 per cent of the imported product. A strip of five capsules of 250 mg and 100 mg of imported product is costing Rs.88,000 and Rs. 37,000 respectively now , whereas Temonat is expected to cost Rs.22,000 and Rs. 9,000 for five capsules of same strengths. Five capsules would constitute a month's requirement. The company expects to cut price further in course of time.

Rajeev Nannapaneni, Vice President, Business Development, told Pharmabiz.com that in the elder population, brain tumours account for the fastest cause of cancer deaths. Brain tumours constitute the third most frequent cause of cancer related deaths among adults. Typically, the brain tumour cells are highly invasive and are invariably found beyond tumour margins. This characteristic of the cell makes it impossible for it to be eliminated by local therapy such as radiation and surgery.

He added "Temonat interferes with cell growth, acts directly on the DNA which controls the growth of normal cells and helps slow down the growth, especially in cells that are growing rapidly, which is typical of cancerous tumours. When administered, Temonat therefore, results in reduction in the size of tumour."

The other brands launched by the company in the Oncology segment include Veenat, Zoldonat and Letronat.