Torrent inks licensing agreement with Reliance Life Sciences for biosimilars

Ahmedabad based Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Reliance Life Sciences for marketing three biosimilars - rituximab, adalimumab and cetuximab - in India. As per the agreement, Reliance Life Sciences will develop and supply these products to Torrent Pharma after obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals. Torrent Pharma will be the only company to market these biosimilars in India other than Reliance Life Sciences.
 
Torrent Pharma forayed into the oncology and dermatology segments in 2011-12 with the launch of exclusive divisions and has since gained a strong position in these segments. The licensing agreement with Reliance Life Sciences is expected to significantly boost its presence in these segments in the coming years.
 
Rituximab and cetuximab cater to the oncology segment and are used in the treatment of various cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, colorectal, head and neck cancers. Adalimumab is the most preferred therapy for the treatment of auto immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and IBD.
 
As per the terms of the agreement, Reliance Life Sciences will manufacture these products at its facility in Navi Mumbai and supply to Torrent Pharma for a period of ten years.
 
Torrent Pharma has in the past launched the biosimilar darbepoetin under the brand name of Darbatitor which is used during dialysis. Its acquisition of the domestic formulations business of Elder Pharma has already given it a strong foothold in the pain management segment.