Cipla launches generic Nintedanib for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis drug in India

Pharma major Cipla Limited on Tuesday said that it has launched generic Nintedanib used for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) under the brand name ''Nintib'' in India.

Available as 100 mg and 150 mg capsules, the launch marks another milestone in the company's decade-long commitment to treat IPF, a rare lung disease that impacts ten in one lakh people, Cipla said in a statement.

Cipla's journey in IPF began in 2010 with the introduction of Pirfenex, the world's first generic Pirfenidone and the first-ever approved drug for IPF in India. Further to this, Cipla reduced the cost of its IPF therapy by 40 per cent in 2013 to provide patient-access to this critical treatment. In line with its endeavour of enabling effective and affordable management of IPF, Cipla's Nintib is priced at Rs. 69 (100 mg) and Rs. 85 (150 mg) per capsule.

IPF is a chronic progressive form of lung disease with an average survival rate of three to five years if left untreated. It is characterised by scarring in the lungs, wherein the lung tissue becomes stiff and thick. This interferes with a person's ability to breathe and reduces oxygen supply to the blood, resulting in shortness of breath. Over the past ten years, Cipla has played a pivotal role in creating awareness on the diagnosis and treatment of IPF amongst the medical fraternity.

Shares of Cipla Ltd closed at Rs 764.05 per scrip on BSE, up 0.03 per cent from its previous close.