Generic pharmaceutical company and maker of anti-retroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS treatment Hetero on Monday launched its biosimilar, Rituximab, under the brand name Maball in Indian market.
It will be marketed and distributed by Hetero Healthcare Ltd, a group company of Hyderabad-based Hetero, according to a release issued here.
Hetero’s Rituximab is a biosimilar version of Roche’s Rituximab. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used alone or with other drugs to treat Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia. It is also used for the treatment of other indications such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The launch of the drug will provide access to patients in India suffering with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). Rituximab is recommended as the first-line treatment for NHL and is available in a single dose vial with two strengths.
Commenting on the launch of the product, Bandi Parthasaradhi Reddy, CMD, Hetero Group, said: “The launch of Maball strengthens Hetero’s position in the biosimilar market, and has enabled the company to join select biotech companies with the capability to develop, manufacture and commercialise complex monoclonal antibodies (MABs).”
Biosimilars is one of the key strategic business areas for Hetero. "We have invested in biosimilars and will introduce more biosimilar MABs in the future,’’ he added.
The company has plans to introduce affordable biosimilar Rituximab into key markets outside India through its partners.