Optimus Pharma gets DCGI nod for psoriasis drug

Optimus Pharma, an arm of PE firm PAG-backed Sekhmet Pharmaventures, on Monday said it has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India to manufacture and market tapinarof bulk drug and cream, used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Optimus Pharma said it is the first company in India to receive permission from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to manufacture and market “tapinarof cream 1 per cent w/w” and the tapinarof bulk drug. Tapinarof cream 1 per cent w/w is a non-steroidal topical treatment for plaque psoriasis in adults, the company said in a statement.

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable skin condition that the World Health Organization estimates affects at least 100 million people worldwide.

The Indian market is currently not served by the innovator, and Optimus, through its partners, will be the first to introduce this product to patients in India, the company said.

Globally, the market is currently valued at approximately USD 0.5 billion and is growing more than 35 per cent YoY.