George Steuart Health launches first Calcium Channel Blocker ‘Cilacar’ in Sri Lanka
George Steuart Health recently announced the launch of ‘Cilacar’, a revolutionary discovery of an advanced Calcium Channel Blocker, for the first time in Sri Lanka.
Cilacar was introduced during a medical symposium hosted by the George Steuart Health in collaboration with Unique Pharmaceuticals, India.
The event was held at the Waters Edge - Battaramulla, where many dignitaries representing local and international medical fraternity including Senior Cardiologists, Nephrologists and Neurologists graced the occasion.
The symposium featured guest speakers from India: Fortis Hospital, Mumbai Heart Failure Clinic Director and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Rajiv Karnik and Senior Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Sharad Sheth, in addition to a presentation of the newly launched drug.
A panel discussion was also held with the participation of prominent medical luminaries: Sri Lanka College of Nephrologists Consultant Nephrologist and President Dr. Chula Herath, Consultant Physician Dr. Priyankara Jayawardena and Sri Lanka Heart Association Immediate Past President and Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mubarak.
Cilacar - Cilnidipine was launched under the patronage of George Steuart Group of Companies Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Unique Pharmaceuticals, India Global Business President P.K. Singh and George Steuart Health Executive Director Eran Ranasinghe.
It was also significant that the new drug was launched harnessing 3D hologram technology, for the first time in Sri Lankan pharmaceutical industry.
Addressing the symposium, George Steuart Health Executive Director Eran Ranasinghe said: “Introducing a new molecule is a herculean task. And we have toiled for almost six years to obtain the necessary approvals for this new chemical entity. We are thankful to the authorities and the eminent evaluation sub-committee members for approving this molecule, which will be beneficial to the Sri Lankans at large. Today, we are proud to present to you Cilacar - Cilnidipine in strengths of 5mg and 10mg, which will be a boon, especially to the hypertensives with renal impairment.”
Commenting his views at the occasion, Nephrologist Dr. Sharad Sheth said: “Hypertension substantially increases the risk of kidney diseases and vascular complications. Arterial hypertension together with proteinuria is one of the most important factors associated with the progression of both diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Therefore, I believe Cilacar - Cilnidipine will play a pivotal role in combating non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular and kidney diseases, in addition to effectively treating high blood pressure.”
In his presentation, Dr. Rajiv Karnik presented a comparison of calcium channel blockers versus other anti-hypertensives. He also highlighted the benefits offered by fourth generation Calcium channel blockers in control of hypertension over older generations, with evidence from clinical trials.