GSK launches flagship cardiology drug Benitec in Sri Lanka

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) has strengthened its portfolio of cardiology drugs in Sri Lanka with the introduction of Benitec, the original Olmesartan Medoxomil developed by Daiichi-Sankyo, for the treatment of hypertension.

Proven to reduce systolic blood pressure by -12 mmHg over 24 hours and also provide blood pressure (BP) control for the early morning BP Surge, Benitec is available for oral use as a 20 mg or 40 mg film-coated tablet, the company said. 

Olmesartan Medoxomil is a selective AT 1 sub type angiotensin II receptor antagonist or angiotensin rennin blocker used to treat patients with hypertension. The AT 1 affinity of Olmesartan is 12,500 fold that of most angiotensin renin blockers, making it significantly more effective.Benitec original is the flagship brand in GSK’s cardiology portfolio.

“The launch of Benitec in Sri Lanka following its registration with the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority will make an important contribution to the management of hypertension in the target patient group,” said GSK Pharmaceuticals Managing Director in Sri Lanka Stuart Chapman. “As is the case with all pharmaceuticals manufactured by or for GSK, quality of product and packaging conform to highest global standards.”

Benitec is the third cardiology drug introduced recently by GSK to the local market. The others are two synthetic lipid-lowering agents for oral administration for patients with elevated cholesterol levels.

The winner of four National Business Excellence Awards (NBEAs) including the Gold in the ‘Healthcare and Related Services’ sector and the Gold for Excellence in Corporate Governance in 2014, GSK and its predecessors have been doing business in Sri Lanka since the late 1930s.One of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical, consumer health and vaccines companies, GSK is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK is the first and only multinational company to manufacture pharmaceuticals in Sri Lanka.