Strides Arcolab announces the retail launch of Starflu™ (Oseltamivir) for the treatment of ‘Influenza – A (H1N1)’

Strides Arcolab Limited (Strides) today said that it has launched its anti H1N1 drug – Starflu in retail. Starflu is the generic version of drug Oseltamivir and is available in 75 mg capsules in a strip of 10’s, the MRP for which is Rs 460 per strip.

The Strides move is subsequent to the Indian Government’s approval of restricted retail sale of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for H1N1 treatment. This will allow the purchase of Oseltamivir from designated chemists with Schedule X licenses, by those who have doctor prescriptions. The retail effort for Starflu is being carried out by the Domestic Critical Care Division of Strides. Starflu is being made available in the 480 odd designated chemists/pharmacies with the required schedule X license.

Starflu is manufactured by Strides in its USFDA approved and WHO pre-qualified oral dosage forms manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Strides has also conducted necessary bioequivalence studies and established bioequivalence of its product with Tamiflu®.

Strides is amongst the few manufacturers who have been selected to supply the generic version of Oseltamivir to Government.

Nitin Ghadiyar, President – Strides Arcolab Limited stated “Strides has the requisite stocks of Starflu to adequately supply and service the retail demand for this drug”.

Strides Arcolab Limited receives order from Government of India for the supply of Oseltamivir Capsules for the treatment of ‘Influenza – A (H1N1)’

Strides Arcolab Limited today confirmed receipt of an order from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Government of India for supply of 740,000 doses of ‘Oseltamivir Capsules’ – the generic equivalent of Oseltamivir® – Roche’s innovator product, drug prescribed to treat “Influenza – A (H1N1)”. The supply will commence immediately.

Strides’ generic Oseltamivir is manufactured in its USFDA approved and WHO prequalified oral dosage forms manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Strides has alsoconducted necessary bioequivalence studies and established bioequivalence of its product with Oseltamivir®. Ms. Aloka Sengupta, President – Business Development India Operations stated “Strides has equipped itself to meet any emergency since the outbreak of the epidemic and is delighted to partner with the MOH in its efforts to contain the epidemic”.

Strides Arcolab Limited Fully geared to meet demand for supply of drugs for Influenza – A (H1N1) Pandemic

Referring to recent press coverage by various media on the qualified suppliers of drugs for H1N1 virus, Strides Arcolab Limited clarified that it is also one of the approved and qualified manufacturer of ‘Oseltamivir Capsules’ – the generic equivalent of Oseltamivir® –Roche’s innovator product.

Strides’ generic Oseltamivir is manufactured in its UDFDA approved and WHO prequalified oral dosage forms manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Strides has also conducted necessary bioequivalence studies and established bioequivalence of its product with Oseltamivir®. Mr. V.S. Iyer, CEO – India Operations stated that “Strides is fully geared to meet significant supply need of the product for domestic and international market”.