These are used for the treatment of AIDS in infants and young children
Cipla has received US FDA approval for an innovative formulation — Lopinavir/ ritonavir (LPV/r) 40mg/ 10 mg oral pellets — for paediatric specific treatment for infants.
Cipla has long recognised the lack of access to life saving child-friendly formulations for the treatment of HIV, which prompted it to develop an innovative formulation of LPV/r oral pellets. The pellets are to be sprinkled on sweetened porridge for infants and administered to them. The pellets are produced by melt-extrusion technology and are enclosed in capsules.
Cipla has been working for many years in collaboration with Diana Gibb, Professor of Epidemiology, Senior Programme Leader and Honorary Consultant Paediatrician at Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL (University College London) towards development of this novel child-friendly formulation which has been approved by US FDA under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme.
Subhanu Saxena, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer, Cipla said, “Cipla has been committed to the cause of HIV/AIDS for over two decades. This innovative way of drug delivery through oral pellets for some of society’s youngest AIDS sufferers reiterates our commitment to provide access to life saving medicines in the fight against HIV/ AIDS.”
Dr Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer, Cipla said, “Lopinavir/ Ritonavir is a preferred anti-retroviral in paediatric patents and this unique drug delivery system is a breakthrough in paediatric specific treatment for infants. The traditionally available antiretroviral liquid formulations and tablets have their own challenges when it comes to treating infants. LPV/r oral pellets 40 mg/ 10 mg should be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-I infection in paediatric patients weighing 5 kg and above and who can have semi-solid food.”
Dr Peter Mugyenyi, Executive Director of the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Uganda and a leading International authority on treatment of HIV/AIDS in Africa said, “I am delighted to hear of Cipla’s breakthrough in getting US FDA approval for the world’s first paediatric Lopinavir and ritonavir oral pellets for the treatment of AIDS in infants and young children. This product is a first step in making accessible more modern and appropriately formulated treatment available to the most vulnerable of HIV patients – young children.”
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