Top anti-diabetic drug prices to fall by 60%

New Delhi, July 8

Good news for diabetes patients as Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences on Friday launched top anti-diabetic drug molecule Sitagliptin in India under the brand names Sitaglyn and Siglyn to address Type-2 diabetes.

Sitaglyn and Siglyn will add on to a comprehensive solution for the management of Type-2 diabetes by providing access to quality care to patients at an affordable cost, approximately 60 per cent less than the originator.

The launch of the generic version has become possible after US pharma major Merck drug’s Sitagliptin, previously marketed under the brand Januvia, fell off patent.

More Indian pharma companies are expected to announce generic versions now. While the original drug regime cost around Rs 450 a day treatment, the new will cost less than Rs 18 a day, industry sources said.

“Sitaglyn and Siglyn offer an oral solution to the patients providing ease of convenience and better compliance. Sitagliptin is the gold standard drug with over 62 per cent market share in the global market. The drug has a proven safety profile,” Zydus said.

With more than 77 million active patients, India is the diabetes capital of the world after China.