Cipla joins hands with Hetero to launch second biosimilar drug

The product Actorise is indicated for the treatment of anaemia caused due to chronic kidney disease

The Mumbai-based Cipla has collaborated with Hetero Drugs to launch a biosimilar version of ‘Darbepoetin alfa’ under the brand name ‘Actorise’. The co-marketing deal offers Cipla a license to make the drug for Indian market. The product is indicated for the treatment of anaemia caused due to chronic kidney disease.

Actorise (Darbepoetin alfa) is available in pre-filled syringes (PFS) of 25 mcg and 40 mcg with price tag of Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,200 respectively.

“Following the launch of our first biosimilar product ‘Etacept’ (Etanercept) in collaboration with our partner from China last year, we are now excited to introduce Actorise (Darbepoetin alfa) as the second product in partnership with Hetero in our biosimilar portfolio” said Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer, Cipla Limited.

 

More than 100,000 patients each year need renal replacement therapy - dialysis and renal transplant. Most of these patients develop anaemia and will need drugs to maintain their haemoglobin and reduce the need for blood transfusions.

While Cipla incubates its own pipeline, we also look forward to partner with companies in India and around the world to bring wider access of biosimilar products to patients in need,” Gogtay added.

Last year, Cipla had launched biosimilar of Etanercept under the brand name 'Etacept' used for treatment of rheumatic disorders in India. Under the agreement, Etacept is manufactured by a China-based Shanghai CP Guojian Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, and marketed by Cipla in India.