Ind-Swift gets DCGI approval for anti-diarrhoeal drug

Divya Nair - Mumbai

Chandigarh-based Ind-Swift has received approval for its quinoline-derivative, anti-diarrhoeal plus antibacterial drug, from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). “The drug has successfully completed all stages of clinical trials and the company expects to launch it next month,” informs V K Mehta, Managing Director, Ind-Swift.

The drug is a combination of 500 mg Nitazoxanide (anti-diarrhoeal agent) plus 200 mg Oflxacin (quinoline derivative). “The drug is going to be unique in its effectiveness, owing of the combinatorial dose. Its low price will be an added advantage,” says Mehta.

“The market size of the anti-diarrhoeal segment in India is approximately Rs 500 crore, but most of the existing products in this segment are old molecules,” he says. According to Mehta, there have been few product launches in this segment and hence the growth has been slow.

With a brand name that is soon to be finalised, the company plans to launch the product in both the domestic and the international markets. “The product will be sold through our wide marketing network comprising medical representatives and stockists, in addition to our other strategies, which are still in the pipeline,” informs Mehta.

Ind-Swift Laboratories, the other listed entity of the same group, which manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced intermediates, already has a drug in this segment that is widely known by the name Nitazoxanide.

Ind-Swift is currently working on developing molecules under the statins, cardiology, diabetology and oncology segments. The company is also ready to file four non-infringing processes in the current year and 12 more in the next year. Ind-Swift Laboratories has focused on Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS) in a big way and expects 40-45 percent of their bottom line to come from the CRAMS business, in the next two to three years.

divya@expresspharmapulse.com