Strides, Gilead concludes strategic ARV deal

Strides Arcolab Limited, one of India's largest manufacturers and exporters of pharmaceutical products, has signed a non-exclusive license and technical transfer agreement with US based bio-pharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences.

This agreement will enable Strides to manufacture and distribute generic versions of Truvada® (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Viread® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). This agreement provides for the manufacture and distribution of a new generation first line therapy in over 90 countries under the Gilead Access Program. This country classification is rated according to the Human Development Index and includes high prevalence focus countries in Africa and Asia including India.

Mr. Arun Kumar, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of Strides Arcolab said, this agreement between a global pharmaceutical company and an emerging Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer highlights our ability to leverage global opportunities. It is indicative of Strides' ability to align with global companies' initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS. This agreement will enable authorized generic versions to be available in eligible countries at a significantly lower cost and consequently lead to substantially larger treatment coverage.

Strides is amongst India's largest manufacturers of ARV drugs and has a range of products approved by the WHO. The company has received tentative approval from the US FDA for generic Nevirapine tablets. Several other ARV dossiers are under evaluation by US FDA. The company is also partnering with the Clinton Foundation to ensure availability of affordable quality generic ARVs in least developed countries.

About Strides Arcolab Limited: Strides, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (532531) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (STAR), is one of India's largest exporters of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Strides manufactures pharmaceuticals formulations in various dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid injectables and is one of the world's top five manufacturers of softgel capsules. Strides also has the only globally dedicated soft gel facility for hormones. In addition, Strides undertakes contract research and the manufacturing of specialty chemicals for various multinational companies.

Strides has a major presence in various developing countries such as Africa, Latin America and Asia as well as in developed markets such as the US, Canada and part of Europe. Strides is one of the largest Indian supplier of institutionally funded aid projects and is an approved supplier to the Global Drug Facility, UNICEF, and MSF amongst others. Strides has 13 manufacturing plants spread across the US, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Poland and India. This broad manufacturing network facilitates partnering with global organizations ranging from UNICEF and WHO-Global Drug Facility to European and American pharmaceutical multinationals and also private labelers and distribution chains. Strides has product registrations in over 37 countries around the world and has earned ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GMP accreditations including USFDA. Strides employs approximately 1,700 people across the globe. Strides also has a marketing presence in over 50 countries.