Mar 18,2024
NEW DELHI: Hydroxyurea, a medicine used for treating sickle cell anaemia patients, will now be available in India for Rs 600 per vial — less than 1% of the price of its imported versions.
Unlike the versions sold by global brands for around Rs 77,000 per vial, which need a storage temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius, the Indian variant remains stable at room temperature, claimed its manufacturer Delhi-based Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
The company said Hydroxyurea will be available to govt at less than Rs 600, “thus embodying the spirit of Make In India and fostering widespread benefit to the masses”.
Congratulating the company, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote on X, “PM Narendra Modi had in 2023 launched National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. This medicine will prove to be a blessing for our tribal brothers, sisters and children and we can make India free from sickle cell soon.”
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder mostly prevalent in districts with high tribal populations. About one in 86 births among STs have sickle cell disease that affects haemoglobin in red blood cells, resulting in morbidity and mortality.
The exercise to encourage Indian companies to manufacture generic versions of drugs used in treatment of rare diseases, also referred to as orphan drugs, had started in July 2022 and discussions were held.
Source: Pharma