Cipla launched ‘Qvir’, a novel 4 drug kit for treating HIV/AIDS. This kit consists of two tablets, one containing a combination of Tenofovir plus Emtricitabine and the other containing a combination of Atazanavir plus Ritonavir. Both these tablets are packaged together in one strip which represents a single day’s treatment.
The tablets have been packed together in one strip. Patients does not t have to remember which tablet was taken — and cannot mistakenly take two of the same tablet. Also, the patient cannot run out of any one of the tablets. If the patient has to travel, the strips are convenient to carry. The ‘Qvir Kit’ is manufactured in Patalganga, approved by international regulatory bodies.
Commenting on the introduction of ‘Qvir Kit’, Dr YK Hamied, Chairman and MD, Cipla said, “While we are committed to making drugs affordable and accessible, we also endeavour to have more options for HIV infected patients which are potent, effective, patient-friendly and easy to take.
The number of HIV infected people continues to grow. At the end of 2010, about 34 million people were living with HIV and there were 2.7 million new infections in that year. More and more options are always needed. HIV patients have to take multiple medicines lifelong. Every year about 5-10 per cent of patients fail their first line treatment due to various reasons such as missing doses and the virus developing resistance. Qvir is an option for first line treatment and can also be used as a second line treatment in cases which have been treated by a specific combination therapy commonly used in India. Studies of this combination regimen have shown that it is effective and well tolerated by over 80 per cent of patients using it.
Cipla has been recognised worldwide not only for introducing HIV/AIDS treatment at a fraction of the international prices, but also for pioneering the 3-in-1 combinations such as ‘Triomune’ (Stavudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine) & ‘Duovir-N’ (Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine) in 2001 and Trioday (Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz) in 2009. Further, Cipla’s introduction of the ‘Duovir-E Kit’ (Ziodovudine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz) in 2004 and the ‘Odivir Kit’ (Didanosine + Lamivudine + Efavirenz) in 2003 were significant contributions towards managing and living with HIV/AIDS.
EP News Bureau
