German Remedies, a part of the Zydus Group, has launched Interferon beta-1b under the brand name ''Betaferon'' for the first time in India for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Betaferon is a subcutaneous injection and is the only Interferon efficacious even in the secondary progressive stages of multiple sclerosis. The product is being marketed in collaboration with Schering AG, Germany.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system and occurs chiefly in young adults between 20 to 50 years and results in patients slowly losing control over their bodies.

Betaferon was launched in the US in 1993. This pioneering drug was a breakthrough effort in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It is estimated that 1.5 million people suffer from multiple sclerosis worldwide. Betaferon is the top global product of Schering AG with over 2,00,000 patients on this treatment worldwide, registering sales of 780 million Euros in the year 2004.

"The launch of Betaferon is yet another step towards a strong collaborative enterprise between Zydus and Schering AG in offering innovative healthcare therapies in the fields of female healthcare, cancer therapy and radiology," said J C Jani, executive director of Zydus Cadila and head of German Remedies.