Dr. Reddys launches propofol emulsion in US market

Leading pharma company Dr. Reddy's Laboratories launches propofol injectable emulsion, USP in the US market. The drug is a therapeutic equivalent and a generic version of anaesthesia drug Diprivan injectable emulsion approved by the US drug regulator.

Propofol is administered to induce and maintain sleep as part of anaesthesia for surgeries in adults and children above the age of three. The drug is also used during uncomfortable procedures to induce conscious sedation. Propofol Injectable Emulsion is administered intravenously. Dr. Reddy's will make the drug available in vials of 10 mg/ml for single-patient use.

The total sales for Diprivan and generic propofol in the US market is approximately US$310 million annually, as reported by IMS Health, as for data until November 2018.

Earlier in the month, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completed the audit of Dr. Reddy's formulations plant at Srikakulum (SEZ) Unit I, Andhra Pradesh. The agency issued a Form 483 with four observations. 

At noon, 13:00 hours, the stock of  Dr. Reddy's Laboratories was quoting Rs. 2,665.20 per share, up by Rs. 19.70 or 0.74 per cent on BSE. While the benchmark index was at 36,080.83, up by 27.64 points or 0.08 per cent on Thursday.