Strides Arcolab has launched its anti H1N1 drug ‘Starflu’ in the domestic retail market. Starflu is the generic version of Oseltamivir and is available in 75 mg capsules in strips of ten at Rs 460 per strip.
Strides’ move is subsequent to the Indian government’s approval of restricted retail sale of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for H1N1treatment. This will allow the purchase of Oseltamivir from designated chemists with Schedule X licenses, by those who have a doctor’s prescription.
The retail efforts for Starflu are being carried out by the Domestic Critical Care Division of Strides. Starflu is being made available in the 480 odd designated chemists/pharmacies with the required schedule X licenses.
Starflu is manufactured by Strides in its USFDA approved and WHO pre-qualified oral dosage forms manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Strides has also conducted necessary bioequivalence studies and established bioequivalence of its product Tamiflu.
The company is amongst the few manufacturers who have been selected to supply the generic version of Oseltamivir to the government.