GSK plans to launch H1N1 drug in India

UK-based drug maker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is in talks with the Indian government for introducing its patented drug, Relenza, which is used for the treatment of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu).

“Currently, we are in talks with the Indian government for introducing Relenza in the domestic market,” Glaxo SmithKline South Asia Vice-President and India Managing Director Hasit Joshipura said.

When asked whether the company has applied for the Drug Controller General of India’s (DCGI) nod, Joshipura said Relenza is already registered with the Indian government and it doesn’t require fresh approval.

The retail sale of the swine flu drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is not permitted in India. The drug can be sold through government hospitals as the treatment and diagnosis of the flu has been carried out by the government itself.

Till now, Relenza has not been recommended for patients in India. The company has not specified whether it plans to sell the drug through government hospitals or it would opt for retail sale.

With the rise in the number of swine-flu cases, governments across the world are stocking up both the drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, to treat swine flu. However, according to the senior officials in the health ministry, the Indian government has not placed any orders for the purchase of Relenza but is in talks with GSK.

Relenza has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the alternative drug for the treatment of swine flu as in some cases the virus has shown resistance to the drug.

GSK is currently not manufacturing the drug in India but it is supplying the drug to many countries across the globe and is also in the process of increasing its manufacturing capacity for the drug.

GSK and Biota have the patent over the drug till 2014.