Cipla launches anti-malaria global initiative

Country's second-biggest drug maker Cipla, which slashed prices of generic AIDS drugs internationally, is soon to champion another global move to contain malaria.

The company has entered into a development and supply agreement with Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), a global non-profit organisation, for a new anti-malarial combination drug. The drug, a new fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine, will be manufactured by Cipla using the technology developed by DNDi.

"The agreement is for development and commercialisation of a new fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine (AS+MQ) indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated Falciparum malaria.

The product technology is coming from DNDi. Cipla will manufacture and make the product available in southeast Asia and other parts of the world at affordable pre-agreed prices," Amar Lulla, joint managing director, Cipla, said.

He declined to comment on the details of the agreement and the volume of business that is expected. The drug to be launched by Cipla has come out of a DNDi initiative called "FACT Project" established in 2002.

Global agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, and Health NGO Medicines Sans Frontiers are part of the DNDi initiative.

Pharmaceutical companies Sanofi Aventis and Farmanguinhos are also part of the initiative.