Ranbaxy Laboratories launches arthritis drug Infimab in India

Ranbaxy Laboratories on Monday launched Infimab, the first biosimilar version of Johnson and Johnson's Remicade - a drug used for treating various conditions including Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The drug has been introduced in the domestic market through a licensing partnership with Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy said in a statement.

"Infimab marks Ranbaxy's entry into mAb (Monoclonal Antibodies) biologics, and will help the company provide greater access to quality biologic medicines in management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis," the home-grown pharma company said.

Infimab will be manufactured by Reliance Life Sciences at its facility in Mumbai, Ranbaxy added.

Remicade is currently marketed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases causing disability.

Ranbaxy Vice President & Country Head - India Region, Rajeev Sibal said, "Infimab offers a new opportunity in the management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The product has been developed as per global standards and delivers a similar clinical outcome to the innovator. It will be available in India at a very significant discount as compared to the innovator drug."

Ranbaxy's scrip closed at Rs 616.90 a piece, up 4.5 points (or 0.73 per cent) on the Bombay Stock Exchange.