US firm launches drug for Hepatitis

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US firm launches drug for Hepatitis

NT Bureau Chennai, July 13: For treatment of Hepatitis B virus infection, US based Bristol-Myer Squibb company has come out with a new drug christened as Baraclude (entecavir) that has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India. Ajay Tiku, medical director of the company said that the an estimated 36 million are affected by Hepatitis B virus and added that about 12,750 cases of HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) were diagnosed in 2001. Speaking during the launch, he said that the new drug Baraclude is a step forward for treatement of patients and the company's mission is to focus on discovering, developing and providing innovative treatments for serious diseases. He also said that to date Baraclude has been approved in 21countries'. The drug costs Rs 208 per gm and it is being imported from US. Others who part of the launch included C M Habibullah, director, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Sollano, Chief of Gastroenterology, University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

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