Ranbaxy launches Indias first new drug Synriam for Malaria

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited has launched India�s first new drug, Synriam, for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, in adults.The new drug, has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for marketing in India and conforms to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for using combination therapy in malaria. Synriam provides quick relief from most malaria-related symptoms, including fever, and has a high cure rate of over 95 per cent. The dosage regimen is simple as the patient is required to take just one tablet per day, for three days, compared to other medicines where two to four tablets are required to be taken, twice daily, for three or more days. This makes Synriam a convenient option, leading to better compliance. The drug is also independent of dietary restrictions for fatty foods or milk, as is the case with older anti-malarial therapies. Since Synriam has a synthetic source, unlike artemisinin-based drugs, production can be scaled up whenever required and a consistent supply can be maintained at a low cost.