InnoGen-Metz bats for affordable drugs

InnoGen-Metz Pharmaceuticals, the pulmonary division of the all-Filipino consortium InnoGen Pharma Group Inc., has taken up its parent company’s crusade for cheaper medicines covering nearly every aspect of healthcare.

During the recent 12th mid-year convention of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, the company introduced its “Pro-Choice” campaign that aims to provide quality affordable medicines and give Filipino consumers better health through better choices and Filipino physicians, a wide range of products to choose from. 

The company revealed that it has the full capability to manufacture “second to innovator products” that can be offered at more patient-friendly prices. These are essential drugs that often involve off-patent molecules or those licensed out through partnerships.

“Millions of Filipinos have little or no access to life-saving medicines simply because these are very expensive. So our battlecry is to be pro-Filipino and pro-choice. We are committed to manufacture medicines with the same level of efficacy, safety and quality — but without the same high price as the multinationals,” said Dr. Helen Grace Perez-Florentino, patient care medical director of InnoGen-Metz.

Being the pulmonary division, InnoGen-Metz handles the marketing and development of various medications such as Montair, a second to innovator brand, used to prevent asthma and allergic rhinitis that offers up to 48 percent savings to patients, and Zefur, an anti-infective drug that provides bactericidal effect for respiratory tract infections, giving 52 percent savings.

In addition to Metz Pharmaceuticals Inc., the InnoGen Pharma Group has eight other companies covering neurology, psychiatry, cardio-metabolic and pediatrics.

The Aldril Pharmaceutical Inc. produces neurology and psychiatry medicines; Eadrix Pharmaceuticals Inc., dermatology; Randril International Co. Inc., rehabilitation medicines and anti-infectives; Solvang Pharmaceuticals Inc., obstetric and gynecology; Westfield Pharmaceuticals Inc., cardiology and gastroenterology; Vamsler Philippines Inc., internal medicines; Vitalink Health Products Inc., endocrinology and cardio-metabolic; and Dr. Zen’s Research Inc., anti-obesity and medical devices.