Hetero launches biosimilar drug in India

Maball is used for treatment of chronic leukaemia

Hyderabad: City-based Hetero group on Monday launched its biosimilar drug of Rituximab under the brand name of Maball in India. To be marketed and distributed by Hetero Healthcare Limited, a group company of Hetero, the biosimilar Rituximab will be used for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Rituximab is recommended as the first-line treatment for NHL and is available in a single dose vial with two strengths – 100mg/10ml and 500mg/50ml.

“The launch of Maball strengthens Hetero’s position in the biosimilar market, and has enabled the company to join select biotech companies with the capability to develop, manufacture and commercialize complex monoclonal antibodies (MABs),” said Dr Bandi Parthasaradhi Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Hetero Group.

Hetero’s Rituximab is a biosimilar version of Roche’s Rituximab. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used alone or with other drugs to treat NHL and CLL. It is also used for the treatment of other indications such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

“Biosimilars is one of the key strategic business areas for Hetero. We have invested in biosimilars and will introduce more biosimilar MAB’s in the future. We also have plans to introduce affordable biosimilar Rituximab into key markets outside India through our partners,” Reddy added.