Pharmaceutical company Lupin today said it has launched Hyalgan, which is used in the

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treatment of degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis.

The drug is a liquid, to be injected into the knees, which relieves pain caused due to osteoarthritis, Lupin said in a statement.

Hyalgan is the original research molecule of the Italian pharma player FIDIA.

According to a recently concluded survey, the market for osteoarthritis is pegged at Rs 150 crore. In India, osteoarthritis is the second most prevalent disease in the age group of 25-30 years and affects more than 12 per cent of the population, the statement said.

"We at Lupin are focused on addressing and targeting niche markets and therapeutic segments where there is an unmet patient need. I believe that our foray into the osteoarthritis segment with the launch of Hyalgan is a step in the right direction," Lupin Managing Director Kamal Sharma said.

"Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is one of the most prevalent ailments in India with its incidence exceeding that of cancer, AIDS and diabetes. We have set up a sales force that would cater to promoting the product and would also be launching an awareness campaign to educate the masses on Osteoarthritis," Lupin India Region Formulations Group President Shakti Chakraborty said.

Hyalgan can also delay the progression of osteoarthritis when taken regularly as per schedule, the company said.