| |AUGUST 20249HEALTH MINISTER UNVEILS MDA CAMPAIGN 2024 TO REMOVE LYMPHATIC FILARIASISGRANULES INDIA RECEIVES US FDA APPROVAL FOR TRAZODONE TABLETSPrataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, the Union minister of state for health & family welfare, virtually initiated the second round of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis.The initiative aims at 63 endemic districts spanning Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, delivering preventive medications door-to-door in endemic regions to help India achieve the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis ahead of the global target. Additionally, the 'Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis' and IEC material were introduced to offer a clear direction for elimination initiatives.The event was attended by health ministers from various states like Banna Gupta, Mangal Pandey, Damodar Rajanarasimha, Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Jai Pratap Singh, and Dinesh Gundu Rao.In his keynote address, Prataprao Jadhav stated that "Lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease is preventable through simple measures, therefore, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) rounds are crucial in halting its transmission."Jadhav reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to public health stating, "Preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines are key to stopping the transmission of lymphatic filariasis, which affects populations across 20 states and union territories in India. To ensure success in the upcoming MDA rounds it is imperative that 90 percent of all eligible populations consume these medicines." He emphasized the importance of making consistent efforts to prevent and eradicate lymphatic filariasis in India. POGranules India Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company experiencing rapid growth through vertical integration, reported that the US FDA has granted approval for its ANDA for trazodone hydrochloride tablets USP in various strengths. It has the same effectiveness and therapeutic value as the reference drug Desyrel tablets in various strengths from 50 mg to 300 mg, made by Pragma Pharmaceuticals, LLC.Trazodone tablets are prescribed for treating major depressive disorder in adults.Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, chairman and managing director, Granules India Limited said, "We have received the approval within 10 months of filing the application, which is a testament to our strong R&D capabilities. The product will be launched within this quarter and the market share will grow steadily over the next few quarters."Granules has obtained 65 approvals from the US FDA, including 64 final approvals and 1 tentative approval. The Trazodone tablet market in the US is worth around $128 million annually, as reported in MAT Jun 2024 by IQVIA/IMS Health.Founded in 1991, Granules India Limited is a rapidly expanding Indian pharmaceutical firm based in Hyderabad. It is vertically integrated with top-notch facilities and a strong focus on operational excellence, quality, and customer service. PO
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