Torrent Pharma's newly launched diabetes division, AzuCa, has launched two major blockbusters, Pregeb (Pregabalin) and Piopod (Pioglitazone). Pregabalin is a new addition to the basket, while Pioglitazone will help Torrent strengthen its position in the glitazones segment, where it already has a strong presence with Enselin, a brand of Rosiglitazone, stated a release.

Pregabalin, with global sales of $ 2 billion is the latest therapy available for the treatment of neuropathic pain while Pioglitazone reduces insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes with a global sale of $ 1.5 billion. Pregeb and Piopod are the first in a series of new launches that are expected to be the key drivers for AzuCa's growth in the coming year.

"Torrent's AzuCa is the first to recognize that the management of diabetes would involve not only the control of blood sugar but also management of its associated complications. With the launch of Pregeb and Piopod, AzuCa boasts of full-spectrum of therapeutic options to combat these complications," says Sujesh Vasudevan, Vice President (Marketing).

In the Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHA) segment, Azuca has drugs like Azulix (Glimepiride), Azukon (Gliclazide), Dibeta-SR (Metformin) and Migtor (Miglitol) that are effective in controlling blood sugar. Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common associated conditions with diabetes. Azuca has antihypertensive drugs like Topril (Ramipril), Tozam (Losartan + Amlodipine) and Betacard -AM (Atenolol + Amlodipine) that are used extensively in diabetic hypertensive patients. Additionally, there are lipid lowering drugs like Zetistat (Atorvastatin + Ezetimibe) and Modlip ASP (Atorvastain + Aspirin) that controls dyslipidemia. The AzuCa basket also consists of anti-obesity drugs like Slenfig (Sibutramine).

"Very soon, we shall be introducing new products like complementary dietary solutions to further strengthen our presence in the diabetology segment," says Ruchir Modi, General Manager.