GSK to sell cardiology drug Benitec in Sri Lanka
View(s):GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) has strengthened its portfolio of cardiology drugs in Sri Lanka with the introduction of Benitec™, the original Olmesartan Medoxomil developed by Daiichi-Sankyo, for the treatment of hypertension.
“Proven to reduce systolic blood pressure by -12 mmHg over 24 hours and also provide blood pressure (BP) control for the early morning BP Surge1 (Ref. Fabia MJ et al. Journal of Hypertension 2007, 25:1327–1336), Benitec is available for oral use as a 20 mg or 40 mg film-coated tablet,” the company said in a media release.
Olmesartan Medoxomil is a selective AT 1 sub type angiotensin II receptor antagonist or angiotensin rennin blocker used to treat patients with hypertension2. The AT 1 affinity of Olmesartan is 12,500 fold that of most angiotensin renin blockers2, (Ref. Le MT et al. British Journal of Pharmacology 2007; 151: 952–962) making it significantly more effective. Benitec original is the flagship brand in GSK’s cardiology portfolio.
“The launch of Benitec in Sri Lanka following its registration with the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority will make an important contribution to the management of hypertension in the target patient group,” said Stuart Chapman, GSK Pharmaceuticals’ Managing Director in Sri Lanka.
Benitec is the third cardiology drug introduced recently by GSK to the local market. The others are two synthetic lipid-lowering agents for oral administration for patients with elevated cholesterol levels.