Mumbai, May 15: Hoechst Marion Roussel (HMR) plans to introduce variants of brands like Allegra and Tavanic in the domestic market. These proposed launches come even as the German multinational has already introduced paediatric vaccines Vaxem Hib (for meningitis, pneumonia and epiglottis), Morupar (for preventing mumps, measles and rubella), besides ACE inhibitor Cardace (ramipril).Sources say that HMR India plans to launch the infusion version of Tavanic (an antibiotic) in the first half of this year, while a paediatric version of non-sedating anti-allergy product, Allegra, is slated for launch in the second quarter of the year.
The launch of Cardace 10 mg is significant given that the results of the international HOPE (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation) study indicate that the regular use of ramipril has shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death by 25 per cent and non-fatal myocardial infarction by 20 per cent.
Additionally, the risk for new onset of diabetes with patients receiving ramipril was reduced by 30 per cent in the trial. The HOPE study, conducted over a four and a half year period involved more than 9,500 male and female patients in 267 centres from 19 countries across North and South America and Europe.
Sources add that both the vaccines -Vaxem Hib and Morupar - are being imported from Chiron Corporation of USA and marketed by HMR in India. HMR and Chiron already have a 49:51 joint venture for manufacturing the anti-rabies vaccine, Rabipur, in India.
Meanwhile, indications are that HMR will not pursue export plans for its analgin brand, Baralgan. "We have received permission for exports of Baralgan but globally Aventis has decided against pursuing these exports. Moreover, Baralgan is not really a growing product," sources added. The Government had, in December 1996, ordered the suspension of manufacture of certain fixed dose combinations of analgin including Baralgan.
Sources also added that the company was exploring opportunities for the export of certain intermediates/ actives to group affiliates, and a clearer picture on the proposal would emerge during the year. Indications are that articaine hydrochloride and ramipril intermediates may be ideal sourcing candidates.
On the rationalisation of the company's product portfolio, sources said that key focus areas include anti-infectives, anti-allergics, cardiovaculars and anti-diabetes drugs. HMR India had earlier put on the block brands like Cidoresp, Corbutyl and Synastal.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.