October 6, 2006 : Ipca launches fixed dose ACT combination and stops manufacturing of single ingredient Oral Artemisinin derivatives

In response to the appeal by Dr. Kochi Arata - Director Global Malaria Programme - WHO, Ipca Laboratories Limited is stopping the manufacturing of monotherapies consisting of single ingredient oral Artemisinin derivatives.

Ipca has started marketing a fixed dose combination of oral Artemether and Lumefantrine tablets (Lumerax) which is the first ACT marketed in India.

Artemisinin and its derivatives remain the only hope in near future for managing rising incidence of P.falciparum malaria. To preserve these life saving medicines, WHO has requested all organizations to stop manufacturing and marketing monotherapies consisting of single ingredient oral Artemisinin derivatives. WHO has rightly placed emphasis on Artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) which includes giving oral Artemisinin derivatives in combination with drugs such as Lumefantrine, Sulphadoxine, Pyrimethamine, Amodiaquine and Piperaquine. Giving Artemisinin derivatives in combination with these drugs will prolong the usefulness of these life saving drugs.

Premchand Godha
Managing Director

Mumbai
6th October' 06