Lupin for Europe foray via tie-ups

The country's antibiotics and speciality pharma major, Lupin, is all set to enter the world's second largest pharmaceutical market "" Europe "" with multiple partners by way of marketing alliances and joint ventures. Top executives from the company said it has received more than 100 proposals from interested parties to partner with it for marketing in the European markets in various therapeutic segments.

Sources said Lupin will soon finalise at least six to seven marketing alliances in the European region, as it is currently in the process of shortlisting partners.

Lupin, which has established direct presence in the US with a wholly-owned subsidiary and a number of marketing alliances, has so far not explored the European markets in a big way. Though the company had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire 51 per cent equity in Artifex Finance CVA of Belgium in Central Europe, along with its subsidiaries, including Dafra Pharma, a pharmaceutical company focused on anti-malarials, it had called off the MoU recently owing to various technical reasons.

According to market sources, Lupin did not want to proceed with the deal, as Dafra Pharma management had differences in allowing management control to the Indian company despite the latter's plan to acquire 51 per cent stake.

Dafra Pharma, a dedicated anti-malarial company that provides a complete basket of Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), including a paediatric suspension, has marketing and distribution network covering over 25 countries and also works closely with the national malaria boards in various countries.

Lupin is currently a leader in anti-TB medicines and prequalified by World Health Organisation (WHO) for supplies to Global Drug Facility, a healthcare organisation, and other multilateral organisations. Lupin plans to leverage its experience and credibility in supply of drugs to WHO-related programmes and use its expertise in fixed-dose combination products and novel drug delivery platforms.