New inhaler to result in 40% cost saving: Cipla

Cipla is set to launch the world's first triple drug combination inhaler for COPD patients in India. Cipla's brand, Triohale will have triotropium, formoterol and ciclesonide for asthma patients. The company is in the process of registering the drug for exports to semi-regulated markets.  The inhaler drug would cost Rs 570 per 120-metered doses in India.

Amar Lulla, MD, Cipla said that patients will save about 40% as against buying the single component drug, this apart from not have to remember which one he has taken and which one he has not. Lulla added that the inhaler will be available in the market from this week. 

Excerpts of CNBC-TV18’s exclusive interview with Amar Lulla:

Q: What sort of revenue generation do you see from this drug?

A: This is a combination of three drugs that are available singly. This is for the treatment of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which is a multi-component disease and has to be treated with three drugs simultaneously. We had launched the three component drugs in a single MDI (Metered Dose Inhalers). Now we have put them together and for patient compliance and patient benefit, we have put it together and called it trio health.

This is the first time anyone has put these three drugs together in one meter dose inhaler. So, it’s a great benefit for patients. The market that we are addressing is, essentially it will take away the users of three single MDIs to one.

Q: What sort of cost benefit would it actually entail for the patient?

A: The patient will save about 40% as against buying the single component drug, apart from the fact that he doesn’t need to keep three inhalers and not have to remember which one he has take or not taken. So, in terms of patient compliance, it’s a big boom.

Q: When is the launch exactly?

A: It will be available in the market this week.