Lupin US arm in cefixime alliance

Lupin today announced that its US-based subsidiary, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc, has entered into an alliance with Cornerstone BioPharma Inc to promote its anti-infective drug Suprax (cefixime) in the US, with immediate effect.

As per the agreement, Cornerstone's sales force will co-promote Suprax with a focus on primary care physicians. The oral suspension anti-infective market in the US is around $1.2 billion.

The alliance, according to the company, is a significant move towards its expansion in the scope of physician coverage for Suprax.

Vinita Gupta, managing director & president of Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc, said in a media release, "We believe Suprax offers physicians an attractive option in this era of increasing resistance to existing therapies. Cornerstone's promotion of the brand complements and enhances our reach of Suprax beyond Lupin's paediatric focus to the primary care market."

The drug, approved in 2004, has till date been promoted by Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc's paediatric sales force. Suprax oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections, including uncomplicated urinary tract infection, otitis media and pharyngitis/ tonsillitis.

"We look forward to growing sales and market share for Suprax, while developing a working relationship with Lupin," said Craig Collard, CEO of Cornerstone.

It is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the pain, wound healing and respiratory markets. The company is also active in the development of late stage technologies as well as licensing of additional prescription products in the pain, dermatology and wound healing categories.