Himalaya Herbal Healthcare has entered the domestic market for prostate enlargement treatment with Himplasia.

The drug is a clinically proven combination of five time-tested herbs and offers double-pronged action of an apha blocker as well as a finasteride and without side-effects, according to Mr. Philipe J. Haydon, General Manager, Pharma Marketing, of the Rs. 250-crore company.

Himplasia is the Himalaya's sixth product targeted at men. It has met with a favourable market abroad and can rake in a potential five percent market share in the remaining three months of this year, Mr. Haydon said.

Prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has Rs. 60-crore domestic market (as per ORG September 2002 figures) with major allopathy players such as Pfizer and Abbot operating in the 47.50 crore alpha blocker segment and Dr. Reddy's and Cipla in the finasteride arena.

BPH is known to affect 25 percent of men over 40 years of age and almost a third of those over 65 years. As per 2001 figures, over 77 million men have the condition, which may lead to hospitalization and surgery.

Himplasia, according to Mr. Haydon is the first drug of its kind that reduces the gland size as well as treats attendant problems of the benign enlargement, which include painful urination, incontinence and impotence.

The tablets cost Rs.3 each and are available in packs of 30.