Biotechnology major Biocon has launched advanced novel therapy for the treatment of Hepatitis C at low cost. CIMIVIR-L, a fixed dose combination of Ledipasvir 90 mg and Sofosbuvir 400 mg, will be made available to patients in India at a fraction of the global cost of the innovator brand. The cost of a 12-week course of this combination therapy in the US is USD 94,500 (about Rs 63 lakh). Biocon, President-Marketing, Ravi Limaye said the introduction of CIMIVIR-LTM will strengthen the company’s current portfolio of virology products.

CIMIVIR-L is an equivalent of the innovator product commercialised by Gilead Sciences in the US. Biocon had entered into a licensing agreement last year with US-based Gilead to manufacture and commercialise its chronic Hepatitis-C blockbuster product range, Sofosbuvir and Sofosbuvir-Ledipasvir combination in India and in select emerging markets.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved the sale of Sofosbuvir-Ledipasvir combination, which is being manufactured in India under a license from Gilead. CIMIVIR-L, a once-a-day oral therapy, will offer a convenient, effective and safe alternative to people infected with the Hepatitis-C virus (HCV). It is estimated that nearly one lakh people die annually in India from HCV infection and co-morbidities.

CIMIVIR-L is indicated for Hepatitis-C Genotype 1 patients who account for 25 per cent of the total estimated HCV patient population of 18 million in the country.