Cadila Healthcare said it has launched a generic blood thinning medication, Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, in the US, where the drug has annual sales of around $513 mn, or around Rs 3,800 cr.
With this, the company has become the first Indian firm to launch a generic version of the drug in that market.
Enoxaparin Sodium Injection has been launched under a marketing agreement with Italy-based pharmaceuticals manufacturer CHEMI SpA, which will supply the medicine in seven dosage strengths.
The original, branded product is Sanofi Aventis’s Lovenox.
“Under the agreement, CHEMI will manufacture and supply the Enoxaparin Sodium Injection which Zydus will commercialize in the US.
“CHEMI owns proprietary rights on a pharmaceutical product composed of Enoxaparin Sodium single-use pre-filled syringes, which is an AP rated generic version of the branded product Lovenox.
“CHEMI, utilizing their proprietary technology, will produce the Enoxaparin Sodium injection within proprietary manufacturing facilities located in Italy,” the Indian company said.
Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP is used for prophylaxis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing abdominal, hip or knee replacement surgery, and also for the treatment of acute DVT. Enoxaparin acts as blood thinner by producing an antithrombotic effect.
Cadila, also known as Zydus Cadila, said the ITF group, to which CHEMI belongs, has the capacity to produce all the ingredients used for manufacturing Enoxaparin Sodium and this ensures “quality and an uninterrupted supply of the critical care product”.
Zydus said it will continue to focus on ‘complex generic products’ to drive its growth.
The company, which employs 25,000 people, is one of the most innovative among India’s drug producers, and is awaiting regulatory nod for the first of its two COVID-19 vaccines.