Upfront

Dr Reddy's launches Alfoo

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) pioneered the medical management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in India. They have now introduced Alfuzosin Hydrochloride indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of BPH.

Alfuzosin Hydrochl-oride is introduced under the brand name "Alfoo". This product is available in extended release tablets of 10 milligram dosage. Alfuzosin ER scores over other alpha-blockers by way of providing rapid relief from the signs and symptoms of BPH to offer a better quality of life.

Alfoo is launched nationwide and it will further help Dr Reddy's consolidate its position in the urology segment. The company already has strong brands in this segment. The product is now available in over 5,700 retail counters across the nation and is being marketed by a strong field force of over 100 scientific business officers. Future plans of Alfoo include complete patient information program on prostate care using multimedia and print material.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common non-neoplastic disorder of aging in men. The prevalence of BPH increases from eight percent in men between 31 and 40 years of age to 50 percent in men between 51 and 60 years of age. Alfuzosin ER is an opportunity in the alpha-blocker market and adds to the urology basket of the company. Dr Reddy's has over ten products in the urology segment of which Finast (Finasteride) Dutas (Dutasteride) and Dynapres (Tamsulosin) are the leading brands. The market size for the product as per April '06 market data is valued at Rs 27 crores. The revenue of urology segment is estimated at Rs 65.08 crores.