India Has More Than 30 Mln Diabetes Patients – A Study Report

A new study carried out by MSD Pharmaceuticals, a wholly-owned Diabetes Patientsubsidiary of Merck and Co Inc (USA), revealed that India is home to the largest population of diabetics in the world with over 30 million people suffering from the disease.

The study claimed, “India is considered the diabetic capital in the world, with the largest population of diabetics.”

Besides, the company has also launched 'Januvia' (Sitagliptin), an approved Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor for Type 2 Diabetes, in Kolkata on Thursday.

Mr. Naveen Rao, MSD Managing Director stated that Sitagliptin represents the first new class of oral medication for the diabetic population since 1999. It is available in around 70 countries and would now reach in the hands of Indian patients if prescribed by a medical doctor.

He added that diabetes is rapidly increasing in prevalence, which shows no indication of slowing down. Presently, it has become the fifth leading cause of death throughout the world.

“Patients with diabetes are at risk of slow and irreversible damage to heart, kidneys and eyes, which accounts for increased morbidity and mortality associated with the disease,” Mr. Naveen also said.

Merck, US-based $25 billion pharmaceutical major, is eyeing revenue of about Rs 1,800 crore by 2015 from its Indian operations.

Merck, which began operating in India in 2005, has also decided to introduce a new product in the country every six months for the next couple of years. The company, which is not even among the top 100 in India, wants to be among the top five pharmaceutical Companies in the country in seven years.

Sanjiv Navangul, director of marketing, Merck Sharp and Dhome (MSD) Pharmaceuticals, a 100% Indian subsidiary of Merck Ltd, said, “Given the kind of economic growth India has achieved, we should be able to contribute at least 1.5% towards the company’s turnover by 2015.”

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