Serum International Ltd {SIL}, the subsidiary of the Pune-based Serum Institute of India is launching Pyginal, a phyto therapy for Benign Prostate Hypertrophy {BPH}. Pyginal is a capsule of 50 mg, extracted from the seeds of Pygeum Africanum, a tree that can be grown only in the South and Central Africa.

Serum Institute has made an arrangement with an Italian pharma company Indiana, who has obtained the sole license for growing Pygeum Africanum. Indiana will be supplying Pygeum Africanum to Serum Institute, which will be marketed by Serum International. A strip of 10 capsule of Pyginal will cost Rs 75.

The current estimated market size for BPH is Rs 55 crore. "We have targeted to capture the 20 per cent of the market in the initial 12 months of the launch," said Masud Ahmed, Marketing Director, Serum Institute of India. "We will have a smooth entry into the market because ours is the only herbal product available for the treatment of BPH in the country. Besides, there are only few players like Dr. Reddy's and Abbott selling allopathic drugs for the ailment of BPH," said Ahmed.

Apart from the herbal Pyginal, surgery and allopathic drugs are the other alternatives to cure BPH. "Surgery is highly incisive with a lot of side effects like blood clot, infection, impotency etc. With the allopathic drugs and alpha-blockers, there is a risk of a cancer or malfunction in the sexual activity. However, Pyginal being herbal is devoid of the side effects," said Dr. Subodh Bhardwaj, Medical Director, Serum Institute. Indiana is already marketing the drug across Europe and America.

BPH is an age related prostate gland problem occurring in males after the age of 40-45 years. It is estimated that around 41 lakh males after the age of 40-45 years. It is estimated that around 41 lakh males who live in urban area and who are above 60 years of age are likely to suffer from BPH. BPH occurs because of the enlargement of the prostrate gland, which is an important organ of male reproductive system. The enlarged prostrate constricts the urethra restricting the urine flow causing the symptoms of BPH. Increased frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, feeling of incomplete urination, painful urination and dribbling post urination are the most common symptoms.

Prof Paolo Marandola, MD and Urologist said, "The prostate gland is a time bomb ticking away deep in the urinary system of every male. The WHO estimates that 80 per cent of men will eventually need treatment for prostate problems. One in three will need an operation. Globally the prostate gland problem is of great concern. Current statistics reveal that the incidence of BPH is around 50 per cent of males at age of 60 years suffer from BPH and the percentage may go as high as 75 per cent at the age group of 80 year."