GSK launches locally developed antihistamine ‘Histaban’

A non-sedative antihistamine syrup Histaban (loratadine) has been launched in Sri Lanka by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK) as a prescription medication for allergic conditions. The syrup intended for paediatric use, is manufactured in Sri Lanka at the Glaxo Wellcome Ceylon plant, which has been in operation for more than 50 years.

“Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine, and the availability of a locally developed product from GSK will be welcomed by the medical fraternity,” GSK Pharmaceuticals in Sri Lanka Managing Director Stuart Chapman said. “GSK’s highest global standards have been adhered to in the manufacture, to ensure quality, safety and efficacy.”

Because Histaban is a long-acting antihistamine, a single daily dose is recommended. There is no restriction in a patient’s activities since it is non-sedative. The syrup is retailed in a 60 ml glass bottle.

GSK’s manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka commenced operations in 1958 and has been responsible for the production of many widely used pharmaceutical products over the years. The scope and capacity of the plant, which is staffed entirely by Sri Lankans, was enhanced with investments of Rs 400 million in 2012 and 2013.

Ranked first among global pharmaceuticals companies in the 2012 Access to Medicine (ATM) Index for its efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries, GSK is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.

GSK and its predecessors have been doing business in Sri Lanka since the late 1930s. GSK is the only pharmaceuticals company to tackle the three ‘priority’ diseases identified by the World Health Organization (WHO): HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.