Indian remedy to restrain swine flu gets launched
Even though the subject of swine flu is known across the globe, let’s check out some hard facts before we proceed any further. Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, pig flu and sometimes, the swine) happens to be an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3 and it has already wreaked havoc in the global arena.
There were large deliberations over a possible antidote to this ominous disease and at last, Cipla, prominent Indian pharmaceutical company, has created wonders. It has not only made the coveted antidote but has also annunciated the introduction of Antiflu in order to treat H1N1 swine flu virus.
"We have launched Oseltamivir brand, called Antiflu, which is the only flu medicine from India to be prequalified by World Health Organization (WHO)," Cipla's Chairman and Managing Director, Y K Hamied said in Mumbai on Wednesday. This, without a doubt, is an amazing feat and it is to be noted that Roche, the Swiss pharmaceuticals group which makes Tamiflu, a prescription drug has treated in the region of 42 million patients of H1N1 in about 80 countries worldwide. How would Cipla's Antiflu perform then? It has been learnt that Antiflu would be available both as capsules and liquid, will cost Rs 475 for 10 capsules, with 75 ml syrup will be similarly priced. On the word of Y K Hamied, Antiflu would be sold under Schedule X category in India, like Virenza. When asked of future plans the MD said, "There is a shortage of this drug in USA. We have made an offer and willing to make this drug available in US markets. Other countries also can approach us for the supply of Antiflu."
By » Gourav on 2009-12-10 22:37:35