PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Hetero Drugs, the India-based parent company of Camber Pharmaceuticals, has been honored by  Gilead Sciences its commitment to providing access to life-saving medications for chronic hepatitis C patients around the world.

Camber said Wednesday that the award from Gilead — a leader in the development of hepatitis C drugs — recognizes Hetero’s efforts to provide the medications sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and ledipasvir- sofosbuvir (Harvoni), which the company markets under the names Sofovir and Ledifos, respectively.

Hetero began marketing the drugs in India and eventually plans to reach some 91 countries.

“We are proud that Hetero has received recognition from such an innovative and respected organization as Gilead Sciences,” commented Kon Ostaficiuk, president of Camber commented. “Hetero and Camber’s core mission has always been to provide cost-effective medications to as many patients as possible.”

The drug maker noted that hepatitis C is an escalating public health concern, particularly in developing countries. In India alone, it’s estimated that 12 million to 18 million patients are infected with hepatitis C, a number several times greater than those with HIV/AIDS.