Bengaluru-based Micro Labs recently launched Caripill which helps to increase the platelet count in patients suffering from dengue. Micro Labs further claims that it has received approval by the scientific and regulatory authority from India. Dr Nagabhushan K, VP-Medical Services Micro Labs in an interaction with Raelene Kambli explains the uses and benefits of this pill
What makes Caripill useful in fighting dengue?
For patients suffering from dengue, lowering of blood platelets is a major concern which can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases even death. Caripill’, a product of botanical origin is made from carica papaya leaf extracts, helps to increase blood platelet count. Caripill contains scientifically standardised dose of the papaya leaf extract. Patients used to consume the carica papaya juice orally with no defined dosage as there was no proper research or documentation on the same. The extract is taken from non-standardised and unhygienic papaya leaves and no clear specified dosage. This could have a detrimental impact on the patients. Keeping all these factors in mind Caripill, which is a plant-based medicine manufactured by using carica papaya leaf extract, was launched to fight dengue. Caripill has also received positive feedback from doctors treating patients with dengue.
Why did you think of an Ayurvedic solution to this disease?
Till the advent of Caripill, the treatment of dengue was only symptomatic. Paracetamol (Dolo650) and rehydration with continuous monitoring of the platelet levels were the only modality in vogue. When dengue progresses to the dangerous level of Haemorrhagic fever, the only option is hospitalisation and platelet infusion. The high cost and the complications involved as well as the panic associated with the imminent death were the problems to be dealt by the patients and the doctors alike.
In this scenario, the benefit papaya leaves’ juice in its crude form was a common knowledge and was being adopted with success. However, the problem associated with the crude form – availability of leaves, uncertainty of dosage, frequency and duration of therapy and patient compliance were the problems involved in this form of treatment.
This prompted us to look into the possibility of bringing Carica Papaya in a modern dosage form, backed with scientific validation of its dosage schedule.
What is Micro labs’ roll out strategy for Caripill?
Present the product with scientific back up, develop and disseminate wealth of data to the treating physicians, through CME (Continuous Medical Education), continue the clinical trial in large no of patients to generate more data on efficacy and safety, conduct post marketing surveillance to be on guard for the safety of the medicine.
What is the projected demand for the pill?
The rise in the number of dengue cases this year, has created a huge demand of the product already. We are well aware of the fact that dengue is an epidemic and does not last throughout the year.
Where does your production capabilities stand at the moment?
At present, we are getting the product manufactured through contract manufacturing. We are constantly evaluating the demand and our manufacturer has been very consistent in supply.
Is it available over the counter? How have you priced it? Is it affordable to the people at the bottom of the pyramid?
Caripill is available at Rs 25 per tablet with the dosage of administering one pill (1,100 mg) three times a day, for five days. Thus reducing the financial burden and the emotional trauma experienced by the sufferers and their families. Caripill has been made available in all major pharmacies by a team of 500 spread across the country.
What will be your next plan of action?
We would like to firmly establish the brand Caripill in the minds of our target audience in dengue induced Thrombocytopenia. We have also extended the benefits of Caripill to the paediatric patients, by launching Caripill Syrup, which has again been backed with a scientific pilot study on paediatric patients and a vigorous formulation research.
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