Mumbai, India-based Cipla has announced the launch of a generic version of Gilead Sciences' Sofosbuvir for treating chronic Hepatitis C under the brand name Hepcvir, in India.
Cipla signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead last September to manufacture and market chronic Hepatitis C medicines.
In January, India's patent controller had rejected Gilead Sciences' application for Sovaldi treatment, which allowed locally-based drug makers to sell lower-cost generic versions of the medicine.
Dr Reddy's and Hetero, Zydus Cadila and Natco Pharma have also signed non-exclusive agreements with Gilead to manufacture and sell its Hepatitis meds.
According to the Economic Times, around 12-18 million Indian patients are estimated to be infected with Hepatitis C.
Read the ET press release
