Zydus Cadila launches pitavastatin in India

EPP News Bureau - Ahmedabad

Zydus Cadila has launched the novel statin Pitavastatin under the brand name Pitava. The molecule — the latest addition to the family of statins — is being launched for the first time in India.

According to a release issued by the company, the new launch strengthens Zydus’ cardiac care portfolio comprising anti-hypertensives, lipid (cholestrol) lowering agents, anti-anginals, anti-platelets and diuretics.

The group is currently the number one player in the cardiovascular market valued at Rs 2272 crore with a market share of seven per cent.

Pitava available in strengths of one mg and two mg tablets ensures aggressive lipid management in patients suffering from high levels of cholestrol (hyperlipidemia).

Patients suffering from hyperlipidemia often have associated illnesses like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiac complications etc. These patients need multidrug regimen to treat each of these diseases specifically. As drug interaction could pose a problem in such conditions, it is most important that the therapy combines safety and efficacy aspects.

Pitava with its better safety profile and reduced risk of drug interactions addresses this concern. Taking into account the high percentage of the population who would be required to take the drug, Zydus Cadila also plans to co-market the drug for a wider reach, the release added.

The statin market in India is presently estimated at Rs 227 crore and is expected to cross Rs 300 crore nexy year (source ORG Oct 2004). The other statins available in India include lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

Statins are a class of drugs, which lower the level of cholestrol in the blood. There are two types of cholestrol in the body: bad or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholestrol and good or high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholestrol. LDL can cause narrowing of arteries and even blockage which leads to disease of the heart. The statins are the most effective group of drugs for lowering the levels of cholestrol and work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that is involved in the production of cholestrol.