Bengaluru-based Strides Pharma Science Limited announced on Wednesday that its step-down wholly-owned subsidiary, Strides Pharma Global Pte. Limited, Singapore, has received United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approval for Celecoxib Capsules in three dosage strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg.
The newly approved generic medication is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug (RLD), Celebrex Capsules, manufactured by Upjohn US 2 LLC. According to company statements, the product will be manufactured at Strides' facility in Puducherry, India.
Market Opportunity and Therapeutic Application
Celecoxib is a selective COX-2 inhibitor classified under nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The medication is widely prescribed for the management of pain and inflammation associated with various conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and dysmenorrhea.
The combined market size for Celecoxib Capsules across all three dosage strengths stands at approximately $116 million, according to IMS data. This approval positions Strides to compete effectively in a significant therapeutic segment with substantial market potential.
"This approval strengthens our portfolio in the anti-inflammatory therapeutic segment," a company representative stated. The addition of Celecoxib to Strides' product lineup aligns with the company's strategy to expand its presence in high-demand therapeutic areas.
Global Manufacturing Network
The manufacturing of Celecoxib Capsules will take place at Strides' Puducherry facility, which forms part of the company's extensive global manufacturing network. Strides operates manufacturing facilities across multiple locations including India (Bengaluru, Chennai, Puducherry), Italy (Milan), Kenya (Nairobi), and the United States (New York).
This global footprint enables Strides to export pharmaceutical products to over 100 countries worldwide, addressing complex medical needs through robust research and development capabilities, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to global health standards.
Company Profile
Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Strides Pharma Science Limited is a globally recognized pharmaceutical company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (532531) and National Stock Exchange of India (STAR). The company has built its reputation on developing and manufacturing "difficult to manufacture" products.
Strides maintains a strong presence in regulated markets and pursues an "in Africa for Africa" strategy, while also serving donor-funded institutional markets. The company's business model focuses on providing affordable access to essential medications across diverse global markets.
The approval of Celecoxib Capsules further underscores Strides' growth trajectory in the pain and inflammation therapeutic space, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to critical medications worldwide.
Expanding Treatment Access
With this USFDA clearance, Strides is positioned to provide patients with effective and affordable treatment options for pain and inflammation management. The approval comes at a time when access to affordable medications remains a critical concern in healthcare systems globally.
By introducing generic alternatives to established medications like Celebrex, pharmaceutical companies like Strides play an important role in increasing treatment accessibility while potentially reducing healthcare costs for patients and healthcare systems alike.
