Pfizer has signed a deal with Strides Arcolabs that will strengthen its links with India and expand its presence in generics.
The collaboration, for which the financial terms have not been disclosed, will see Pfizer’s Established Products unit commercialise off-patent sterile injectable and oral products in the USA. The 40 drugs, many of which are oncology therapeutics, will be licensed and supplied by Strides and Onco Laboratories and Onco Therapies – joint ventures between the Bangalore-based group and South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare Holdings.
David Simmons, head of the Established Products unit, said the Strides collaboration “is new and exciting, and we are encouraged about the potential of this relationship”. It brings the total number of products in-licensed by the division to more than 200, he added, “resulting in a total business unit portfolio of approximately 600 high-quality, reliable and cost-effective products”.
Pfizer launched its US injectables team less than 10 months ago and is already marketing products across the pond. The company adds that through this collaboration, it now hopes to become “one of the top players in the injectables market”.
The link-up with Strides follows the New York-based drug major’s signing in May 2009 of deals with Indian firms Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Lifesciences to boost its presence in generics by 60 products as well as in emerging markets. Yesterday, Pfizer entered into a development partnership with Indian contract research organisation TCG Lifesciences.
Arun Kumar, Strides managing director, said the deal “enhances our ability to reach a larger base of customers and patients”. He added that “we have established a reputation for efficient formulation development and technologies, manufacturing and operational flexibility”.
Strides, which specialises in sterile injectables, has 14 manufacturing facilities across six countries and a marketing presence in more than 60 countries. It has an R&D centre manned by 350 scientists in Bangalore.
