Cipla to market US-based MSD's HIV drug raltegravir in India

In an important development, the US-based MSD and Cipla has announced the formation of an India specific strategic partnership, as per which Indian pharma major will have a non-exclusive license to market, promote and distribute MSD’s raltegravir 400 mg tablet, under a different brand name in India. “Access to treatment and patient centric approach are cornerstone to this partnership, with this model both companies expect to broaden reach of raltegravir in private and public markets in India. Access to raltegravir is important for patients who require it as part of third line salvage regimen where there are few options left,” Cipla said in a press release.
 
MSD is the trade name of US-based Merck & Co, Inc, which operates in India through three separate legal entities: MSD Pharmaceuticals, Organon (India) Pvt Ltd, and Fulford (India) Ltd.
 
K G Ananthakrishnan, Managing Director, MSD in India said, “We are proud to have entered into a strategic, India-specific partnership with Cipla. This partnership is aligned with our commitment towards patients in India and also addressing treatment challenges for high risk patients by providing broader access to our innovative medicines and vaccines. It is a complementary partnership as MSD brings the research and scientific excellence for raltegravir, and Cipla brings their marketing excellence, significant reach among key clinician categories to drive product access.”
 
Subhanu Saxena, MD and Global CEO, Cipla Ltd, said “By entering into this marketing partnership with MSD, Cipla is demonstrating its commitment to working with partners globally who share the same pro access philosophy of Cipla. We want to ensure that all patients, particularly in developing countries, get access to the most innovative, breakthrough medicines available. We look forward to more such collaborations ensuring lifesaving drugs like raltegravir reach the patients in need.”