Ranbaxy launches asthma drug 'Osovair' in India

Mumbai: Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of its branded asthma drug, Osovair (formoterol + ciclesonide) inhalation capsules in India. This unique combination has been launched for the first time in the world combining the 'fastest acting long acting beta 2 agonists formoterol' with the new inhaled corticosteroid ciclesonide.

Osovair is available in rheocaps as Osovair 160 mcg and Osovair 320 mcg, depending on the severity of asthma. Osovair contains 12mcg of formoterol making it the first ICS / LABA combination of its type to be approved any where in the world. The product is to be used only with the rheohaler, which is the world's first capsule based multidose dry-powder inhaler.

"We are delighted to launch this unique product, Osovair, the only combination of its type, recommended for use once-a-day. The introduction of a series of novel products in the field of asthma is a reflection of our innovative capabilities and underscores our commitment to the physicians and patients," Sanjeev I Dani, senior vice president and regional director, Asia & CIS, of the company, said.

Ranbaxy had launched Osonide (Ciclesonide) Inhaler, a novel once-a day, product in this segment, earlier in 2006. In May 2006, the company entered into an in-licensing agreement for the Indian domestic market, with the Netherlands based Eurodrug Laboratories, for the asthma product Doxophylline — a novel xanthinc bronchodilator, sold under the brand name 'Synasma'.

India has an estimated 15-20 million asthmatic patients and the estimated prevalence rate in 5-11 year old children is between 10-15 per cent. A large segment of population is susceptible to this disorder. The classified triggers for asthma include environment pollutants, moulds, dust mites, certain food, etc. The disease affects all sections of the society.