Cipla collaborates with Hetero to launch its second biosimilar drug ‘Darbepoetin alfa’

Cipla has collaborated with Hetero to launch a biosimilar of the drug ‘Darbepoetin alfa’ under the brand name ‘Actorise’. The collaboration stands as a multi-partner co-marketing deal which offers Cipla a license to make the drug accessible to a wide number of patients in India. Actorise (Darbepoetin alfa) is available with stockists across the country in two SKUs – 25 mcg at Rs 1500 and 40 mcg in Rs 2200.

The product is indicated for the treatment of anaemia caused due to chronic kidney disease and is available in pre-filled syringes (PFS) – 25 mcg and 40 mcg.

“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 Dr Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer, Cipla.

Gogtay also added, “More than 100,000 patients each year need renal replacement therapy i.e. dialysis and renal transplant. Most of these patients develop anaemia and will need drugs such as Darbepoetin alfa to maintain their haemoglobin and reduce the need for blood transfusions. At Cipla, we believe that patients should get the best medicines from the latest technology. The launch of Darbepoetin alfa reinforces our strong commitment to expand the product pipeline in biosimilars and to increase product access in various therapeutic areas. 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. We have been recognised as the partner of choice because of our expertise in specialist therapies and efficient supply and distribution. Therefore, we anticipate more number of deals across therapy areas in near future.”

Recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) given by subcutaneous injection was first developed as a treatment for anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease. It has been highly effective in stimulating erythropoiesis and increasing the levels of haemoglobin. However since this is administered 1-3 times a week, it compromised patient compliance. Darbepoetin alfa which is a second generation erythropoietin maintains the haemoglobin levels for a longer period of time, and so the dose is only once a week.

EP News Bureau– Mumbai