The Union minister of state for planning and parliamentary affairs, V Narayanasamy, has officially released the new ayurvedic drug 'Ayusrem', for swine flu and influenza viruses, invented by two Chennai based scientists, in Delhi on March 9.

The drug, Ayusrem, was first launched in Chennai in September 2009 by a joint venture company, Ramoni Research Foundation (RRF), an institute conducting research in Ayurveda medicines, and the Herbal Science Research Centre of the Madras University.

Later, considering its potential in preventing and treating H1N1, the Food & Drug Administration in the Union Territory of Pondicherry had granted licence to the inventors to manufacture and market it from Pondicherry. Thus Ayusrem has become a drug of the Union Territory in effect, says Dr. K Balasubrahmaniam, the chairman of RRF.

While releasing the drug in Delhi, Narayanasamy said that the breakthrough achievement by two research institutes to contain the pandemic H1N1 flu is of course a pride for the country and also to the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The minister appreciated the efforts took by the two scientists in inventing the drug for the viral fever.

C Satheesh Kumar, regional director of Maste Xhange has received the drug from the Union minister.

"The Scientists Dr K B K Balasubrahmaniam and professor Dr N Raman have done an excellent job for the entire nation in right time. It is, in fact, a national recognition for which not only the Central government, but also all the state governments in the country can take pride of. If the drug can prevent and eliminate an influenza virus, all the people in India can access the medicine," he said.

Earlier in the day, an announcement function was organized for the national press at the Constitutional Club, in New Delhi, wherein Dr A Ameer Jahan, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Medicinal Herbs Cultivators and Manufacturers Co-Operative Society presided over. The inventors of Ayusrem, Dr K Balasubrahmaniam and professor N Raaman narrated the drug discovery to the press.

The inventors claim that the product is a safe and effective preparation to contain and prevent the spread of Swine Flu, Chikkungunya, Dengue and Influenza virus. Besides it acts as a solution for asthma, rhinitis, body pain, common cold and cold related symptoms.

The scientists said, within a short span of time, the medicine has cured more than 2000 patients with various types of viral fever. The medicine contains 32 different herbal components. Dr Milton's Lab in Pondicherry has been engaged in production of the drug. Maste Xhange Private Limited, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has inked an agreement with the RRF for global marketing of the drug.