RPG Life launches drug to delay dialysis in kidney patients

RPG Group's pharma arm today launched an indigenously developed drug, which it claimed, would delay the renal replacement therapy (dialysis) among chronic kidney failure patients.

'Ketoanalogue' (generic name of the brand Alfalog), has been developed, manufactured by RPG Life Sciences, the pharma and biotech arm of the multi-billion RPG Group.

When administered in the early stages of chronic kidney failure patients, Ketoanalogue would delay the stage of reaching the process of dialysis at least by two to three years, RPG Life Sciences Managing Director Ajit Singh Chouhan told reporters here.

This is the first indigenously researched, developed and manufactured Ketoanalogue, he said, adding so far India has been importing the medicine from Fresenius Kabi, the original inventor.

"The product is a complex mix of 10 active ingredients (amino acids). The technological breakthrough allows the product to remain stable and have better dissolution," he said, adding it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s approval.

"The product, being very sensitive to temperature and moisture, needs to have high stability since instability increases the impurity levels. Better dissolution of the drug ensures better bio-availability, optimising the therapeutic effects," he explained.

After cyclosporin, (immunosuppressant used in patients undergoing transplantation) this is one more technological innovation from RPG Life, Chouhan said.