Hyderabad: Hetero Group Player Player has received an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the General of India (DCGI) drug controller for limited use of the generic version of Todilizumab in India.
Hetero’s Tocatizumab Biosimilar, called Tocira, has been given a nod for adult covid-19 patients who have been hospitalized and receive systemic corticosteroids and require additional oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Tocilizumab is an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody that is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It works by reducing the cytokine storm caused by Covid-19 patients due to overreaks the immune system against the virus.
Hetero’s Tocira 400mg / 20ml, which is a biosimriar version of Actemra and Roercra Roche, will be launched from September End, said Hetero Group on Monday.
This drug will be produced by Hetero’s Biologics Arm Hetero Biopharma in a special biologics facility based in Jadcherla in Hyderabad.
Tocira will be marketed by Hetero’s Associate Company Hetero Healthcare in India.
The Chairperson of the Hetero B group Parta Saradhi Reddy said the nod of Eua to Tocira was “very important for supply security in India considering the lack of Global Tocilizumab”.
“We will work with the government to ensure fair distribution.
Approval shows hetero technical capabilities and commitment to bring important therapy relevant to Covid care,” Reddy said.