Dr Reddy’s Laboratories did an agreement with Hetero, under which Dr Reddy’s has been licensed to distribute and market Sofosbuvir 400 mg tablets indicated in treatment of chronic Hepatitis C under the brand ‘Resof’ in India,” the Hyderabad-based drug major 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.
Hetero had signed a non-exclusive agreement with Gilead Sciences to manufacture and sell its Hepatitis medicines.
“With the diagnosis rates for Hepatitis C in India being abysmally low, Dr Reddy’s will make a significant difference in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,” the company said.
“The launch of Resof is in line with Dr Reddy’s philosophy of innovative medicine at a at an affordable price and will provide significant relief to patients, resulting in potential cure and a high barrier to resistance at an affordable price for those living with Hepatitis C,” Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Co-Chairman and CEO G V Prasad said.
Gilead Sciences also signed non-exclusive licensing agreements with Zydus Cadila and Natco Pharma to manufacture Sofosbuvir for distribution in 91 developing countries including India.
Earlier this month, Natco Pharma launched the drug in Nepal.