Hetero strengthens position in India with launch of biosimilar Rituximab

Hetero has launched the drug under the brand name ‘Maball’ to be used for treatment of certain types of cancers and rheumatoid arthritis

Drug firm Hetero has recently launched its new drug Maball, a biosimilar Rituximab in India to be used for treatment of cancers and rheumatoid arthritis. With the launch of Maball, Hetero's aims to strengthen its position in the biosimilar market in India, and has enabled the company to join select biotech company’s bandwagon of complex monoclonal antibodies (MAB's).

The company also has plans to introduce affordable biosimilar Rituximab drugs outside India to highlight its commitment and strategy on investment in biosimilars.

The product "will be marketed and distributed by Hetero Healthcare Ltd, a group company of Hetero", the firm said in a statement.

The company's product is a biosimilar version of Roche's Rituximab, Hetero said.

It further said, "Rituximab is used alone or with other drugs to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. It is also used for the treatment of other indications such as rheumatoid arthritis."

Hetero Drugs is an Indian Pharmceutical firm started in 1993, and is headquartered at hydrabad