The Hindu : Shantha Bio launches human interferon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 19, 2002

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Shantha Bio launches human interferon

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD APRIL 18. Shantha Biotechnics has launched its indigenously developed human interferon alpha under the brand name Shanferon primarily used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis C.

The interferons also have a role in treatment of several other diseases, according to a release. The current market for interferons in India is estimated at Rs.70 crores. However, it is estimated that only two out of ten patients prescribed interferon can actually afford it, because of the high cost of imported interferons.

The company claims that it would aim to offer the product at a price 30 to 40 per cent lower than the prevailing market price of other brands in India. The company claimed it has advantages over others because Shanferon is `yeast' derived human interferon alpha produced using r-DNA technology.

The company claimed that less than two per cent of patients in clinical trials dropped out of Shanferon therapy due to minor side effects, which compared favourably with international average of 15 to 18 per cent dropout due to side effects. The company was planning to produce two million doses to begin with and was also looking at export opportunities. The present global market, worth $1.8 billion, was dominated by two major brands.

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