Ranbaxy launches two NDDS Urology products in India

Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of two differentiated, novel drug delivery system products in the urology segment. Niftran 100mg capsules (nitrofurantoin modified release) developed using the company's R&D capabilities and Eligard 22.5mg and 45mg (leuprolide depot), in-licensed from QLT Inc, USA, have been launched in the Indian market.

According to Sanjeev I Dani, senior vice president and regional director, Asia & CIS, Ranbaxy Laboratories, said "The launch of Niftran and Eligard reinforces our commitment in the NDDS segment and further consolidates our leadership position in this area. Both these drugs augment our urology franchise and present our customers with Innovative drugs which offer superior options and convenience."

Niftran, a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) product, is claimed to offer better patient compliance due to its "twice-a-day" dosage regimen compared to the conventional "four times-a-day" dosage regimen with the currently available nitrofurantoin in the market.

Niftran is indicated for the use in urinary tract infections (UTI's) and because of its unique mode of action, shows a low resistance pattern and a high sensitivity towards major urinary tract infections pathogens.

Eligard is an in-licensed product from QLT Inc, USA, indicated for the palliative treatment (management of symptoms) of advanced prostate cancer. There is an increase in the number of Prostate cancer cases being diagnosed in India. Eligard is also an NDDS- based hormonal therapy available in dosage forms of 22.5mg (three months depot) and 45mg (six months depot).

The product offers convenience to the patients with dosing every three or six months. Prostatic carcinoma is one of the common forms of cancer prevalent among men.

Urinary tract infections are very common among women. Given the current available treatment options and emerging resistance to various drugs, Nitrofurantoin seems to be an ideal choice. A recent report confirms that about 90% of E. coli causing UTI, is still susceptible to Nitrofurantoin, a relatively safe drug.

Ranbaxy Laboratories continues to remain the largest NDDS marketing company with 8- per cent market share within the novel drug delivery system (NDDS) segment. The NDDS portfolio contribution to total the company's sales stands at 9 per cent (moving quarter November, 2006; Source: ORG-IMS; MAT November 2006).