Zydus Cadila Healthcare Limited, the Ahmedabad based pharmaceutical company has launched a revolutionary drug, Bonmax (raloxifene hydrochloride) consolidating its presence in the female healthcare segment. Bonmax is used in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). The drug comes as third generation drug which not only safe but can also be used for long term.
PMO primarily occurs due to the deficiency of the oestrogen hormone during the menopausal period in a woman, which usually sets in between 45 to 55 years. In India, PMO affects at least one out of every three menopausal women. It is aptly termed a ‘silent killer,’ as 30 per cent of bone mass is already lost by the time it is detected. If not prevented osteoporosis leads to fractures, mainly of the hip, spine and wrists, and could disable women for life. This disease is characterised by loss of bone mass, thus making bones very fragile thereby increasing the risk of fractures.Bonmax is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It maximises bone mass thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer and decreases total and LDL cholesterol. Currently international trials are on to explore its use as a drug to prevent and treat breast cancer.
Bonmax comes to India with an international experience of around four years. There are more than 10 million users of the drug in the US alone. With life expectancy of women in India on the rise, a safe and efficacious therapy can play a critical role in ensuring a healthier and graceful post-menopausal life. The company is optimistic that within the first year of its launch the drug would capture atleast 10 per cent of the Rs. 50 crore postmenopausal drugs market.
