Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced the launch of Somazina®, the innovator brand of Citicoline in the Indian market. Dr. Reddy's has partnered with the global innovator of Citicoline, Ferrer Internacional S.A., Spain, to make Somazina® available in India. This is an important product in the management of stroke and has been used for the treatment of post-stroke patients around the world.

Somazina® is indicated for improving cognitive function in patients who have suffered from stroke or cerebral infarction, or who have undergone a brain surgery or have suffered from head injuries. Each year about 15 Lakh people suffer from stroke in India. Cerebral Stroke is the third leading cause of deaths in India, as per the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. ''Stroke is a major cause of disability and death in India. There is a pressing need for novel neuroprotective agents which can salvage brain tissue and optimize the functional outcome.'' said Subhash Kaul, renowned senior neurologist from NIMS, Hyderabad.

Alok Sonig, senior vice president and Head of India Business said, ''We are excited about the partnership with Ferrer and launch of Somazina® which addresses significant unmet need in patients, whose quality of life gets severely compromised after having a stroke. Somazina® has proven benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation and is a critical solution in fighting this debilitating disease. With the launch of Somazina® and our recent acquisition of Nootropil®, through the UCB brands' acquisition, we look forward to building our presence in the Neurology segment and making a difference to the lives of patients who have had the misfortune to suffer a stroke.''

Shares of the company gained Rs 34.65, or 0.99%, to trade at Rs 3,526.25. The total volume of shares traded was 2,479 at the BSE (9.46 a.m., Monday).