Zydus Cadila launches Gilead’s Hepatitis C drug in India

New Delhi, Mar 31, 2015: Drug firm Zydus Cadila launched generic version of Gilead Sciences’ Hepatitis C drug Sofosbuvir in India under the brand name ‘SoviHep’.

“The breakthrough oral therapy ‘SoviHep’ which will provide succour to more than 10 million patients, who suffer from Hepatitis C in India, has been launched by the Zydus Group,” Zydus Cadila said in a BSE filing.

Sofosbuvir is a medicine used for chronic hepatitis C infection and sold globally by Gilead Sciences Inc, under its brand Sovaldi.

The company said that the medicine will be marketed by the speciality division of the group, Zydus Heptiza.

“Zydus Heptiza, a speciality division of the group has complete basket of brands for Hepatitis B and C. The addition of SoviHep shall complete this critical care portfolio,” it added.

Zydus Cadila had recently signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences to manufacture Sofosbuvir and the fixed dose combination of Ledipasvir/ Sofosbuvir for distribution in 91 developing countries including India.

Gilead also signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Natco Pharma to manufacture and sell generic versions of its chronic hepatitis C medicines in 91 developing countries.

Last week, Natco Pharma launched the drug in Nepal and said it expects to launch the product in India very soon.

Shares of Cadila Healthcare were trading at Rs 1,612 apiece, up 1.64 per cent from its previous close on the BSE. PTI