Dr Reddy’s launches Reditux - Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd on April 30, 2007, has announced the launch of Reditux^TM, the Company's brand of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody (MAb) used in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The launch event was held in Hyderabad with over 100 leading oncologists attending the unveiling of the Reditux^TM brand followed by a technical session on the development of the drug.

Talking at the technical session Dr Anji Reddy, Chairman of the Company said "Dr. Reddy’s has always been committed to creating value by applying science to help people lead healthier lives - Reditux^TM is yet another example of this commitment. This is a proud moment for the organization, to know that we have succeeded in developing this very complex molecule which will help in providing an affordable solution to patients."

The technical session detailed the approach taken by the Company in developing this complex protein therapeutic including data from the clinical trial. There was also an open forum with a panel comprising the clinical trial investigators and the members of the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) addressing questions from the audience regarding the clinical experience with the drug.

In his talk at the conclusion of the technical session, Dr. Alok Srivastava - the coordinating investigator for the trial and Professor of Medicine and Head of the Department of Haematology at Christian Medical College, Vellore - commented on the excellent pre-clinical data that had been made available to the investigators prior to the start of the clinical trial and emphasized the importance of post surveillance to monitor the safety of the product.

The Company also launched its social initiative called "Sparsh" - an Assistance Program for cancer patients undergoing treatment - at the Reditux^TM launch. Patients identified by the doctors through Sparsh would be provided Reditux free of cost. Talking about Sparsh, 0 V Prasad, the Vice Chairman & CEO of the Company added, "We understand the dilemma that doctors and patients face in cancer therapy. The care is very expensive and it can be financially debilitating for most patients. This is a reality we are acutely aware of at Dr Reddy's and the Sparsh initiative is a first step to serve the needs of the patients by increasing access and affordability of medicine. While the program is in early stages of implementation in the oncology care space; we hope to further increase the reach to other therapeutic areas in future."

Reditux^TM is the second product from the Company's Biologics Division. There are several other products in development primarily in the areas of oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Source : Equity Bulls

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