Pfizer strengthens portfolio in Sri Lanka

Partners with Hemas to launch two new products

Pfizer India last week announced the launch of two key products, Sutent and Medrol in Sri Lanka.
Sutent is approved for the treatment of two rare but life-threatening forms of cancer and will be available in strengths of 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg. Medrol Tablets are indicated for the treatment of inflammatory disorders when conventional therapy is unsatisfactory or during acute exacerbations of certain chronic diseases. Medrol tablets will be available in 4mg and 16 mg tablets. Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pte) Ltd will be the prime distributor of these brands in Sri Lanka.
Speaking about the launch, Kewal Handa, Managing Director, Pfizer India said, “We are very excited about our strategy to fortify and grow the business in Sri Lanka .The launch of these innovative drugs is a harbinger of our scale-up plans for the country.  Over the next three years we intend to launch several key products in therapeutic areas such cardiovascular, pain and anti-infectives.”
Sanjeewa Samaranayake, Managing Director, Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd., said that the launch of these two products further strengthens Pfizer’s presence in Sri Lanka. “With Pfizer’s long-standing and unblemished reputation in the global pharmaceutical industry, I am confident that together we will continue to have a greater presence in this country.”
Talking about the initiatives implemented in the country, Kewal Handa added, ”Sri Lanka, plays an important role for Pfizer’s business in the region. We already have an extensive portfolio in Sri Lanka and have launched one product (Magnex – Sulperazone Surbactum) in 2008. We have also rolled several customised awareness programs for doctors and are promoting field force development through training.”
Sutent is approved for an advanced form of kidney cancer known as metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and a cancer of the stomach, bowel or esophagus, known as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).  Sutent is used when the medicine imatinib mesylate has not stopped the cancer from growing or when the patient cannot tolerate imatinib mesylate.
Medrol Tablets are usually indicated for the treatment of inflammatory disorders when conventional therapy is unsatisfactory or during acute exacerbations of chronic diseases such as rheumatic disorders, collagen diseases, gastrointenstinal, dermatologic, ophthalmic, respiratory, and hematological diseases.
Globally, Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world’s best-known consumer brands. Pfizer’s innovative, value-added products improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Pfizer has two business segments: human and animal healthcare and its products are available in more than 150 countries.