Alkem Laboratories’ latest drug launch promises relief for millions of diabetics in India

Alkem Laboratories Limited has launched its generic version of empagliflozin and its combinations in India under the brand name Empanorm, offering a significant price reduction of approximately 80% compared to the innovator product. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to enhance accessibility and affordability of diabetes and cardiovascular treatments, reinforcing its position in India’s growing pharmaceutical market.

Affordable Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care with Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin, a Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, is widely used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and heart failure (HF). Alkem Laboratories has introduced the bioequivalent formulation of the drug along with its combination variants, aiming to make it widely available across India. The introduction of Empanorm is expected to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive innovator drugs, benefiting a large patient population struggling with diabetes and associated complications.

To enhance patient safety and usability, the company has introduced an anti-counterfeit security band on the Empanorm packaging, along with comprehensive patient education information. The packs will include details on diabetes management in Hindi and English, accompanied by infographics and QR codes that provide additional information in 11 Indian languages. This initiative is intended to improve awareness and adherence to treatment, ensuring that patients and healthcare providers have access to accurate and detailed guidance on empagliflozin’s benefits and usage.

Smaller Tablets for Enhanced Patient Convenience

Alkem Laboratories has also focused on improving patient adherence by launching Empanorm in a smaller tablet size compared to the innovator version. The initiative is expected to benefit elderly and diabetic patients who often struggle with swallowing larger pills. Reducing the tablet size while maintaining the drug’s efficacy reflects the company’s patient-centric approach, catering to those with difficulty in medication intake.

The newly launched generic drug will be available under multiple brand extensions to cater to different patient needs. Empanorm L will contain a combination of empagliflozin and linagliptin, while Empanorm Duo and Alsita E will include empagliflozin and sitagliptin. Additionally, Empanorm M will offer a formulation of empagliflozin and metformin. These combinations are designed to provide tailored treatment options, improving overall disease management for diabetic and cardiovascular patients.

Alkem’s Expansion in Chronic Therapy Segment

Dr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Alkem Laboratories, stated that the introduction of Empanorm marks a significant expansion of the company’s chronic therapy portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to providing cost-effective treatment solutions. He highlighted empagliflozin’s impact on diabetes, cardiovascular health, and kidney disease management, positioning it as a transformative addition to India’s pharmaceutical landscape. As the burden of chronic diseases continues to rise, Alkem aims to leverage its strong distribution network to ensure wider accessibility of the drug across urban and rural areas.

Alkem Laboratories, ranked fifth in India’s pharmaceutical market, has established itself as a leader in anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, pain management, and chronic therapies. The company operates 19 manufacturing facilities and maintains a strong presence in international markets, including the US, Latin America, Australia, and Asia. By expanding its chronic disease portfolio, Alkem is poised to strengthen its market position and compete with established players in the anti-diabetic segment.

Stock Performance and Market Outlook

Alkem Laboratories’ stock (BSE: 539523, NSE: ALKEM) has remained relatively stable, with analysts closely monitoring the impact of Empanorm’s launch on its chronic therapy revenue growth. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in India, the company’s move could strengthen its position against competitors in the oral anti-diabetic drug market. The pricing strategy, coupled with a strong distribution network, is expected to drive adoption among prescribers and patients, potentially influencing the company’s financial performance in the coming quarters.