Date:04/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/04/stories/2004080400250300.htm

Back Torrent launches painkiller

Our Bureau

Ahmedabad , Aug. 3

TORRENT Pharmaceuticals Ltd has launched Etoricoxib, the new generation anti-arthritic drug under the brand name Torcoxia.

Etoricoxib is the latest in a new class of painkillers called Cox-2 inhibitors that have a higher safety profile such as aspirin and diclofenac.

"Torcoxia holds the edge against conventional painkillers as its efficacy is comparable to diclofenac and there are no gastric side effects associated with even for long term use. Etoricoxib has been received well by the medical fraternity and the Ahmedabad-based Torrent hopes it has a best-seller in Torcoxia", a company spokesperson said, adding that Etoricoxib was the only Cox-2 inhibitor that had received extensive approvals from the USFDA in areas such as osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, primary dysmenorrhoea and even dental pain. The Rs 480-crore Torrent hopes to underline its role as a market leader in painkillers in the country with the new drug even as it has been consolidating its position in the cardiovascular and central nervous system segments.

The painkiller market in India is worth Rs 1,100 crore and growing at 8 per cent while the selective Cox-2 inhibitors market is currently growing at 50 per cent.