Myfortic, a new immuno-suppressant developed by pharma giant, Novartis, was formally launched in India on July 4, 2003. Myfortic is an enteric-coated formulation used in combination with cyclosporine and corticosteroids for the prevention of acute transplant rejection in patients receiving transplants.

Nearly 3000 kidney transplants are conducted in India every year and the success rate of these transplants is about 90 percent. Myfortic is a safe and effective immuno- suppressant for de novo renal transplant patients and renal transplant patients taking mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Novartis, which uses 13 per cent of its revenue from sales, on research and development, has developed Myfortic to help reduce the Mycophenolic Acid (MPA)- related gastrointestinal (GI) side effects by delivering MPA directly to the small intestine.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shreeram Aradhye, Head Global Medical Affair, Transplantation and Immunology, Novartis Pharma AG said, "The launch of Myfortic in India within five months of its global launch is good news for transplant patients because the product offers the efficacy of MPA with the additional potential for reduction in some of the unpleasant side effects that can considerably reduce the quality of life and ultimately, may affect effective post- transplant care."

Novartis conducted two important clinical trials involving 748 patients worldwide. "The trials have proved that Myfortic has fewer side effects as compared to MMF. The study also proves the fact that it is an effective immuno-suppressant for new renal transplant patients and those patients who are already being administered other drugs can safely be switched to Myfortic," said Dr Peter Kurstjens, Medical Advisor, Transplantation, Asia Pacific.

The drug is priced 30-40 per cent higher than the local Indian brands.