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Our Bureau

Mumbai, Nov. 13 Shreya Life Sciences has introduced its brand of oral insulin, in what will bring some relief to needle-phobic people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Sold under the Oral-Recosulin brandname, the product is based on technology developed by its US-based collaborator, Generex Biotechnology.

The bulk ingredient provided by Shreya is sent to Generex’s facility in Canada where it is pre-filled into a puff-like delivery device, Mr Sujit Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, told Business Line.

Priced slightly higher than the long-acting injectible insulin, this oral product costs about Rs 2,000 per pack and contains two cylinders (containing 400 IU of insulin each) and a delivery device, he said.

The puff-like delivery device is placed at the mouth and a pre-set quantity of insulin is discharged in to the mouth cavity, but below the tongue, he said.

The cost, a recurring one to the consumer, will depend on the usage prescribed to the individual by the doctor, he said.

The recombinant DNA human insulin buccal spray uses the ‘RapidMist’ technology in insulin delivery, freeing the user from limitations of conventional insulin therapy and devices. The new technology delivers insulin through Buccal Mucosa directly to the vascular System, the company added.

The World Health Organisation estimates that the number of diabetic individuals in India would rise from 19.4 million in 1995 to 57.2 million by 2025, making India home to the largest diabetic population in the world.

The domestic diabetic market is estimated to be around Rs 1,722.7 crore, growing at over 20 per cent. Of this, the human insulin market is Rs 517.9 crore, while the oral anti-diabetic market is Rs 1,204.7 crore, the company said.

The Rs 430-crore Shreya has the exclusive marketing right on this product for India and the sub-continent, Mr Singh said. The product is being registered in neighbouring markets as well, and Shreya would look at making the product in India, at a later date, he added. The company has a manufacturing facility in Pune that is likely to get operationalised next year.

This plant comes under Shreya Biotech Pvt Ltd and will manufacture r-human insulin, hepatitis-B vaccine, growth hormones and interferons, company officials had said in the past. The Hepatitis B vaccines are slated for launch in January, he said, adding that the other products were already being marketed.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | Pharmaceuticals | Health

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