SoviHep, a generic Hepatitis C drug launched by Zydus

Over 10 million people suffer from Hepatitis C in India and it was previously believed that Hepatitis C was not curable. Pharma companies all over the world have been investing time and money in research to arrive at therapies to effectively treat Hepatitis C. Drug firm Zydus Cadila today launched a generic version of Gilead Sciences' Hepatitis C drug Sofosbuvir in India under the brand name 'SoviHep'. Zydus and Gilead Sciences had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement which will allow the manufacture of sofosbuvir and the fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for distribution in 91 countries including India. (Read: Now oral medication to treat Hepatitis C on the horizon)

The company said that the medicine will be marketed by the speciality division of the group, Zydus Heptiza. Zydus Heptiza is a speciality division of the group which has a complete basket of brands for Hepatitis B and C. The addition of SoviHep aims to complete this critical care portfolio. (Read: Gilead expands hepatitis C licensing pacts with Indian firms)

Pharmabiz, Pankaj R Patel, chairman and managing director of the Zydus group, was reported saying that better therapy outcomes and improved quality of life has been made possible due to innovations in healthcare. He further informed that they were happy to partner with Gilead Sciences to make this breakthrough therapy accessible to patients of hepatitis C in India at affordable prices. This new breakthrough bridges the gap between people and their healthcare needs. (Read: Gilead s licensing agreement to increase accessibility of hepatitis C drug)

Hepatitis C is also known as HCV and is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood through transfusions of HCV-contaminated blood and blood products, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injection drug use. Sexual transmission is also possible but is less common. There is no vaccine for HCV.

Treatment for hepatitis C usually involves:

• Oral medications and injections: A combination of oral medications (antiviral drugs) and injections are used to fight the viruses. Treatment may also involve the use of other drugs to counteract the drop in blood cell counts that occur due to the hepatitis C drug.
• Liver transplantation: This is the only option left if the disease has eroded the liver to an extent of irreversible damage.

This new cost-effective dug aims at helping Indian population as this drug aims to improve the condition across the country.

With inputs from PTI

Image source: Getty Images

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