Dr Reddy's Laboratories has signed an exclusive 10 year agreement with Germany-based Sygnis Pharma AG for the supply of an ingredient used in the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenrative disorders.According to an official release issued by the company to the BSE, the active ingredient is a biological molecule named AX200, in development by SYGNIS. The company has successfully completed the second phase (a) of clinical trial of AX200 in September, which demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with acute stroke. In the second half of 2008, Sygnis plans to start the (b) part of the second phase, which is an efficacy trial in acute stroke with AX200 supplied by the company.Stroke affects over 5 million patients worldwide every year and is the third leading cause of death, presenting a major socio-economic burden.Cartikeya Reddy, head of biologics, Dr Reddy's, said: "Biopharmaceutical services is a fast growing business segment globally with a limited number of service providers. Our strategic decision to exclusively produce a biological molecule for a partner is a first in the history of Dr Reddy's and fits very well within our custom pharmaceutical services' business model. We are very optimistic that AX200 will continue to show real potential in the treatment of acute stroke with the potential to be used in the treatment of other degenerative neurological diseases."
