Dr Reddy's Laboratories has announced the launch of Somazina, the innovator brand of Citicoline in the Indian market. The company has partnered with the global innovator of Citicoline, Ferrer Internacional, Spain, to make Somazina available in the country. This is an important product in the management of stroke and has been used for the treatment of post-stroke patients around the world.

Somazina is indicated for improving cognitive function in patients who have suffered from stroke or cerebral infarction, or who have undergone a brain surgery or have suffered from head injuries. Each year about 15 Lakh people suffer from stroke in India. Cerebral Stroke is the third leading cause of deaths in India, as per the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.

Citicoline is a widely used neuro-protectant to help accelerate the recovery of these patients. It is used in both ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes, and provides a compelling option to physicians treating stroke patients. "Citicoline is safe to use and may have a beneficial effect in stroke patients. Citicoline is the only drug, that in a number of different clinical stroke trials, has had some neuroprotective effect," said Dr Atul Prasad, director and Senior consultant, BLK Super specialty hospital, Delhi.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Alok Sonig, senior vice-president and head of India Business, Dr Reddy's said, "We are excited about the partnership with Ferrer and launch of Somazina which addresses significant unmet need in patients, whose quality of life gets severely compromised after having a stroke. Somazina has proven benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation and is a critical solution in fighting this debilitating disease. With the launch of Somazina® and our recent acquisition of Nootropil, through the UCB brands' acquisition, we look forward to building our presence in the Neurology segment and making a difference to the lives of patients who have had the misfortune to suffer a stroke."