Dr Reddy's Laboratories announced that it has entered into an agreement with Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs Limited, under which Dr Reddy's has been licensed to distribute and market Sofosbuvir 400 mg tablets, indicated in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, under the brand name Resof, in India.

According to the World health Organization (WHO), close to 12 million Indians suffer from chronic hepatitis C, a disease that can seriously affect the liver, leading to potentially life-threatening complications, including cancer of the liver.

Complications arising out of untreated hepatitis C can precipitate faster in co-morbid conditions, such as Diabetes.

With the diagnosis rates for hepatitis C in India being abysmally low, Dr Reddy's will make a significant difference in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Clinical studies have indicated that Sofosbuvir 400 mg in combination with other agents achieved very high cure rates, while shortening the duration of treatment to as little as 12 weeks and reducing or completely eliminating the need for interferon injections, depending on the viral genotype.

Resof is a breakthrough medicine and will simplify the traditional and complicated treatment options available today, allowing patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C access to a far more affordable and effective treatment regimen, as compared to existing ones

Dr Reddy's co-chairman & CEO, Mr GV Prasad, commented, "The launch of Resof.... will provide significant relief to patients, resulting in potential cure and a high barrier to resistance at an affordable price for those living with hepatitis C."