Ranbaxy inks licensing pact with Canada's Cipher to sell acne drug in Brazil

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited has signed a licensing agreement with Canada’s Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc to exclusively market, sell and distribute Cipher’s isotretinoin capsules in Brazil. The agreement extends the current relationship with Cipher, under which Ranbaxy is marketing and distributing Cipher’s isotretinoin product in the US under the brand Absorica.
 
Cipher’s isotretinoin product is a novel formulation of isotretinoin, which is used in the treatment of severe recalcitrant nodular acne. Isotretinoin is the most effective severe acne therapy available to teenagers who suffer from acne.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, Cipher will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for additional pre-commercial milestone payments. While Cipher will supply the product, Ranbaxy will be responsible for gaining regulatory approval of the product in Brazil.
 
Sanjeev I Dani, Executive Vice President & Head, Global Strategy, Ranbaxy, said, “We are pleased to take this novel formulation of isotretinoin to the additional large market of Brazil. I am sure it would prove to be a valuable option for dermatologists and patients who suffer from severe recalcitrant nodular acne. We will utilise our strong front-end capabilities in making this product available in Brazil.”
 
Ranbaxy plans to promote the product through a brand dermatology division in Brazil. The isotretinoin formulation is expected to be a flagship product in Ranbaxy’s dermatology franchise in Brazil, once it achieves regulatory approval.