Natco Pharma launches generic Hepatitis C treatment drug 'Velpanat' in Nepal

Indian pharmaceutical company Natco Pharma has launched a generic Hepatitis C treatment drug in Nepal under the brand name 'Velpanat.'

The product is the first generic version of Sofosbuvir 400mg/Velpatasvir 100mg fixed dose combination sold by Gilead Sciences Inc under brand name Epclusa.

The Hyderabad-based firm has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences Inc, to manufacture and sell generic versions of its chronic hepatitis C medicines in 101 developing countries.

The drug is the first all-oral, pan-genotypic, single tablet regimen for the treatment of adults with genotype 1-6 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, Natco said in a regulatory filing.

Epclusa is also the first single tablet regimen approved for the treatment of patients with HCV genotype 2 and 3, without the need for Ribavirin, it added.        

"Natco will market Sofosbuvir 400mg/Velpatasvir 100mg under the brand name Velpanat," it said.

The company has priced the medicine at a maximum retail price of Nepalese Rupee 25,000 for a bottle of 28 tablets in Nepal.