Wockhardt to introduce treatment for dermatological scars
17 Apr 2007
Mumbai:
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology major Wockhardt
Limited has signed an in-licensing agreement with the
US-based Advanced Biotechnologies Inc to market a patent-protected
product to treat scars.
Kelocote is a unique silicone gel for scars arising
from accidents, burns, surgery and acne as well as skin
disorders such as dermatitis and varicella. It is also
useful in treating keloids, which are fibrous growths
formed over healed wounds. Kelocote is available as
an easy-to-apply gel form with self-drying action.
While clinical trials on Indian patients are in progress,
clinical data from various countries has already proven
its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Kelocote is currently
marketed in North America, Europe, Australia and South-East
Asia. Wockhardt plans to launch Kelocote in India in
the third quarter of 2007.
Scars are a common but undermanaged problem. More than
100 million people acquire new scars each year in developed
countries alone. Abnormal scars can be aesthetically
distressing, disfiguring as well as psychologically
disabling.
Last year, Wockhardt entered into an in-licensing deal
with LSI of UK for Vitix, a patented product for the
management of vitiligo (leucoderma) and with Crawford
Healthcare of UK for Viticolor, a camouflage gel for
vitiligo-affected skins.
Wockhardt
Limited is an internationally approved pharmaceutical
and biotechnology company having a strong and innovative
research and development programme. Wockhardt has made
four successful acquisitions in Europe, where it employs
850 people. It has a wholly owned subsidiary in the
US. Europe and the US together account for over half
of Wockhardt''s sales.
"Wockhardt is committed to cater to unmet medical
needs of Indian patients," Wockhardt chairman Habil
Khorakiwala said. "We will soon introduce a patented
gel – Kelocote – to treat scars and keloids
arising from accidents, burns, surgery and acne."
