Company Watch

WinMedicare launches anti-psoriatic drug

Our News Bureau - New Delhi

Adding to its list of existing dermatology products, WinMedicare has now launched Daivobet, an anti-psoriasis ointment, in India. Daivobet, manufactured by Denmark-based Leo Pharma is a patented anti-psoriatic formulation, which is available in 60 countries worldwide, including, the UK, USA, Canada, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

According to Prof Harvey Lui, University of British Columbia, Canada, this new topical formulation is a combination of two existing treatments for psoriasis—calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate and is more effective in severe form of the condition. Calcipotroil in Daivobet treats the over activity of the skin's immune cells and normalises the skin's growth, while the betamethasone dipropionate relieves the redness, itching and irritation of the skin. Basically, it would manage the condition and maintain the remission, informs Lui.

Diavobet is a prescription medication, which will be available across the country through 23 company representatives and 2,000 stockists. WinMedicare entered into an in-licensing arrangement with Leo Pharma in 2003 for marketing their dermatological products. Last year, it launched Diavonex used for psoriasis, which has calcipotriol as main ingredient. According to Peter Kallestrup, Senior Director, Leo Pharma International—Overseas, "India is a very important market for us and we are sure that Daivobet will replicate its success here and we will tie up with WinMedicare for other products as well." He also said that on anvil is an anti-infective ophthalmic product called fucithalmic. "In India, the market for anti-psoriasis is about 100 crore and the target sales for Daivobet is Rs 5 crore," informed Surjit S Aurora, Vice-President, WinMedicare. He added that Daivobet would be available in 15 grams, priced at Rs 998, in India.