The Economic Times, Thursday 16th April 2009, Ahmedabad

Troikaa brings in cancer lozenge Unique Drug Delivery Aims at Pain Reduction

After the launch of the much-hyped five-in-one cardiac drug by Ahmedabad based Cadila Pharma, yet another breakthrough comes from another Ahmedabad-based pharma company. The Rs.105 crore Troikaa Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday launched one of its kind cancer drug in the form of lozenges.  The innovative delivery system aims at reducing pain amongst cancer patients.

The drug-Trofentyl OTFC, contains active drug mounted on a lozenger holder (lolly-pop).  According to the company, patient has to consume the product like a lollypop to receive therapeutic benefits.

The lozenges and the holder are designed and patented by the company.

Troikaa MD Ketan Patel said in a press-release that terminally ill cancer patients are administered analgesics to provide pain relief.  However, more than once in 24 hours, the pain breaks through the protective blanket of analgesics, causing agony to the patient. The bout of pain lasts for 30 to 60 minutes and thereafter subsides.  But, in the process, it wears out the patient and affects his quality of life.

Trofentyl medicated lozene aborts the bout of breakthrough pain and significantly improves the quality of life, he said. Troikaa holds technology platforms for various novel drug delivery system. The company had earlier introduced diclofenac in an injection form by changing the composition.