The Himalaya Drug Company has introduced two new formulations - 'Menosan' for management of menopausal symptoms and 'Reosto' to combat osteoporosis. Both the products launched in women's healthcare, are formulated with novel herbo-minerals like calcium in its natural form, phytoestrogens to restore hormonal balance, analgesic agents and vitamin D.

According to the company sources, the new products are expected to garner Rs.7 crore in one year from the crammed women's healthcare market, which is currently pegged at Rs.450 crore in India.

The products which are promoted via the ethical route have been launched at a time when the medical fraternity worldwide is looking at an alternative treatment in handling menopause and osteoporosis conditions in the wake of the Hormone Replacement Therapy scare in the West, Philipe J Haydon, general manager pharma marketing told Pharmabiz.com.

Essentially Reosto is a mono therapy but it could be a combination therapy for menopause and osteoporosis. Himalaya launched this product in the international market as a dietary supplement first and its export earning have been impressive. The new formulations help preventing of calcium stones in the urinary tract, slows down bone loss and reduces incidence of fractures, he explained.

Menosan with its rich source of phytoestrogens is looked
upon as an effective and safe alternative to HRT, providing total respite from menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and other vasomotor symptoms.

While Reosto is priced at Rs.1.50 per tablet, Menosan costs Rs. 2 for a tablet and both are available in a dose pack of 60 tablets. Around 10-12 years of extensive research has gone into formulating Reosto and Menosan which according to the company are risk free and affordable therapies for patients. "It took some time for us to launch it in India as the two conditions of menopause and osteoporosis are neglected areas despite nearly one in every three women over 60 years suffers from these conditions in the country," he said.

At present, the products have hardly any competition. We have carved our own niche, where we are not looking at competition instead looking at a need for treatment, pointed out Haydon.

Under the Himalaya's 10 existing products in women's healthcare, Evecare is the fastest growing. The others in the range include Clarina, Cystone, Lukol, Himcospaz, Purim, Renalka, Rumalaya Forte, Styplon and V-Gel, which have been also brought in substantial earnings. The company has presence in paediatrics, men- women's health and general health in the domestic market at present.