Strides Arcolab has received World Health Organization (WHO) pre-qualification for its anti-malarial product Artemether + Lumifantrine (AL) Tablets. AL constitutes over 80% of Artemesinin Combination Therapy (ACT) procured under Global Fund and other similar programs. The benefits of ACTs are their high efficacy, fast action and reduced likelihood of resistance developing. WHO currently advises that all malaria cases should be treated with ACT.
With this approval, Strides becomes the only player to provide complete treatment portfolio in the major diseases of HIV, TB and malaria, which continue to plaque the low and middle-income countries. The product will be manufactured at the company’s US-FDA approved and WHO pre-qualified facility in Bangalore. The supplies of the product will commence immediately.
Over 300 million new malaria cases were reported in Africa alone in 2011. It is estimated that only about 10% of the actual incidence gets reported. ACT procurement plan for 2013 is estimated to be in the region of $ 450 million.
Strides Arcolab is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bangalore, India that develops and manufactures wide range of IP-lead niche pharmaceutical products with an emphasis on sterile injectables.
