Zydus Cadila gets FDA nod for anti-rheumatic drug

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Zydus Cadila gets FDA nod for anti-rheumatic drug

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/news/article_1359477.php/Zydus_Cadila_g\

ets_FDA_nod_for_anti-rheumatic_drug

Sep 25, 2007, 12:38 GMT

Ahmedabad, Sep 25 (IANS) US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved

Zydus Cadila's anti-rheumatoid arthritis drug, hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

The Rs.18.3-billion company will market the drug through its US subsidiary

Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. It has had 27 FDA approvals since the

commencement of filing process in financial year 2003-04.

The sales of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets in the US market in 2006 was

estimated at $30 million, according to NDC Health, a healthcare information

solutions company.

Rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to affect more than 21 million people

worldwide. It is a progressive, systemic-autoimmune disease characterised by

chronic inflammation of multiple joints and fatigue as well as the

possibility of osteoporosis, anaemia and lung, skin and liver effects.

This inflammation causes pain, stiffness and swelling, resulting in loss of

joint function due to destruction of the bone and cartilage, often leading

to progressive disability.