Natco stops production of breast cancer drug on liver concerns

Drug firm Natco Pharma today said it has stopped the production and marketing of breast cancer drug 'Albupax', after tests showed that it might cause damage to the liver.     

The Indian Health Regulator Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) DCGI has sent a letter to the company asking them to stop the production, distribution and marketing of the drug, according to sources.     

"As per DCGI office, we have stopped marketing the product in the interim," Natco Pharma said in an e-mail response.     

When asked about it, the company spokesperson said they are further investigating the matter.     

"Natco maintains its product passes all quality parameters. The test methods used to test a nano technology product are complex," the company said.

Natco had introduced the product in India in September last year and it recently tied up with Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy's Laboratories for introducing the product in US market.    

Asked about revenue losses due to recall, the company said, "The sale of product is very insignificant... And the revenues are so small and they don't deserve a mention.