Lupin in licensing pact with US-based Romark Laboratories

Moneycontrol Bureau

Pharma major Lupin has signed a strategic licensing agreement with US-based Romark Laboratories, which will grant the Mumbai-based company exclusive rights to promote, distribute and market Alinia for oral suspension in the US market.

Alinia (nitazoxanide) is used for the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia, in patients 1 year of age and older, and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, Lupin said.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the two most common protozoal causes of diarrhea in the developed and developing world, it said, adding that according to the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention it is estimated that there are 1.2 million cases of Giardiasis and 7.50 lakh cases of Cryptosporidiosis in the US each year.

"Our sales and marketing efforts will commence immediately and we are optimistic that Alinia will contribute to our growth and profitability in the coming quarters and years," said Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Lupin shares were down 1.4 percent at Rs 875.55 on NSE in afternoon trade.