Cipla, among the world’s leading generic pharmaceutical companies has introduced Pirfenidone in India; under the brand name Pirfenex, for the treatment of IPF. A chronic progressive form of lung disease, IPF has average survival rates as low as 3-5 years which is less than many cancers. Till now there is no approved treatment for IPF. Pirfenidone is a novel anti-fibrotic drug which through clinical trials has shown to slow down progression of this terminal disease and stabilize lung function.
commenting on the launch, Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Medical Director, Cipla said, Cipla’s technical prowess along with leadership in terms of range of drugs and therapeutic categories in the respiratory segment, is leading the fight to provide world class affordable treatment for patients with orphan diseases. The launch of Pirfenex is a significant step forward. With increased availability and affordability, Pirfenex could now offer hope to those afflicted with this condition
Pirfenex will be manufactured at Cipla’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Himachal Pradesh, India which is approved by WHO, MCC –South Africa and TGA – Australia.