MUMBAI - After partnering with Aurobindo Pharma and Claris to source more than 100 oral and injectable generic drugs last year, Pfizer continues its shopping spree in India as it sealed yet another sourcing deal, this time with Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab.

Through the latest association, Pfizer aims to commercialize off-patent sterile injectable and oral products in the U.S. through its Established Products Business Unit.

Capitalizing on Strides Arcolab's expertise in developing injectable oncology products, Pfizer will bring to healthcare providers over 40 drugs, the first of which is expected to be rolled out later this year. "The finished dosage form products will be licensed and supplied by Strides and Onco Laboratories and Onco Therapies, two joint ventures between Strides and Aspen of South Africa, in which each have an equal ownership interest," Strides Arcolab said. The financial terms of the supply agreement were not disclosed.

David Simmons, President of Pfizer's Established products Business Unit said, "This Strides collaboration is new and exciting, and we are encouraged about the potential of this relationship." With the addition of Strides range of 40 products, Pfizer's in-licensed generic products basket will swell to more than 200. The total number of products in the entire business unit will effectively jump to 600.

Last May, Pfizer signed licensing deals with Claris and Aurobindo to strengthen its position in emerging markets with an expanded portfolio of its Established Products Business Unit (Also see "Pfizer Goes Big On Generic Injectables With Acquisition Of 15 Products From India’s Claris" - Scrip, 21 May, 2009.). Pfizer maintained that off-patent medicines, including branded generics, represented the fastest growth segments in the global pharmaceutical market, especially in emerging markets where costs and access are primary drivers of off-patent medicine growth. The deal with Aurobindo was expanded in November to include more products, totalling 100 at last count.

In an interview with PharmAsia News in November, David Simmons suggested that his company is interested in identifying companies with niche capabilities (Also see "Pfizer Ahead Of Guidance In India, President Of Established Products Business Unit David Simmons Tells PharmAsia News" - Scrip, 23 November, 2009.).

Earlier in the day, Pfizer announced a deal with India's TCG Lifesciences to develop a portfolio of preclinical candidate molecules in a series of discovery target programs. According to the deal, TCG, an established contract research firm, will receive research funding and milestone payments. The therapeutic areas in which the research will be taken up were not disclosed.

- Vikas Dandekar (v.dandekar@elsevier.com)

Pfizer, Strides Arcolab Join Forces To Manufacture And Market Oncology Injectables In U.S.

More from Archive

More from Scrip