Ethypharm in out-licensing pact with Ranbaxy

FROM THE PHARMA FRONT: THIS PILL IS NOT BITTER

Ethypharm India, subsidiary of leading French multinational drug delivery company Ethypharm SA, has signed out-licensing and supply contracts for two drug formulations with Ranbaxy Laboratories.

The out-licensing deal involves the fixed dose combinations of fenofibrate micronised 160 mg, a drug for lowering triglycerides in cases of hyperlipidemia, and atorvastatin 10 mg, a drug formulation widely used to manage the cholesterol level. Ranbaxy will be launching this combination product in the domestic market under the brand name Storfib. In May, Ethypharm had signed a similar agreement with Ranbaxy to out-license and supply Tramadol Flashtab.

The products will be supplied from Ethypharm's manufacturing facility near Mumbai as finished and packaged formulations and marketed and distributed by Ranbaxy.

"The product encapsulates the benefits of both combination offerings and drug delivery technologies and will help patients suffering from mixed dyslipidemia which is a common ailment in Asia," said Ajey Kumar, chief executive officer, Ethypharm India.

Meanwhile, Sanjeev I Dani, regional director, India and Middle East, Ranbaxy, said, "Ranbaxy is a leader in novel drug delivery system (NDDS) products in the domestic market. We are also pioneers in the lipids management portfolio. Storfib aptly symbolises both the strengths and would further augment our leadership position in the cardiovascular market."

Ethypharm focuses on developing, manufacturing and licensing of pharmaceutical products based on optimisation of delivery through proprietary technologies, mainly in the oral sustained release formulations. The company has a special focus on pain management, cardiovascular, oncology and central nervous system therapeutic segments.

Ethypharm, a French company, present in the major health markets globally with manufacturing and R&D sites in Europe, North America, China and India.