World’s second major drug maker, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has made announcement that the company is proposing to build a new manufacturing production line in Nashik, Maharashtra with the aim to produce 300 million tablets of albendazole per year for curing Lymphatic Filariasis (LF).

Lymphatic Filariasis (Philariasis) is a parasitic and infectious tropical disease that is caused by thread-like parasitic worms, of the type filarial nematode.

According to the sources, production will commence in late 2008 and will double GSK`s present worldwide albendazole capacity. GSK will pump around Rs 1.7 million in the facility as well as converting existing equipment to generate the tablets for donation.

WHO`s Worldwide Programme to Eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis, uses once-yearly treatment for at-risk individuals using albendazole plus either Mectizan or diethylcarbamazine (DEC), supplied by GSK and Merck & co. 

Stock of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals ended the day (8, Oct, Wednesday) at Rs 1,092 on National Stock Exchange (NSE).