Pharma players Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi India, the local unit of the French drugmaker on July 16 announced an exclusive distribution and promotion agreement to expand the reach of Sanofi's oral anti-diabetic (OAD) products across India.
The partnership will see Emcure leverage its extensive network to distribute and promote well-established Sanofi brands such as Amaryl (glimepiride) and Cetapin (metformin).
Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi India will retain the ownership and manufacturing responsibilities for its OAD product range, utilizing its global and Indian facilities. Emcure, on its part, will focus on engaging healthcare professionals and enhancing the accessibility of these therapeutic solutions for patients in India. The collaboration specifically outlines no staff transitions from SIL to Emcure as part of the arrangement.
While Sanofi's oral anti-diabetic (OAD) products are competing against numerous generic brands, however the partnership may help Emcure bolster its portfolio with established diabetes Sanofi brands, which have strong brand recall with doctors.
Emcure is ranked as the 12th largest pharma company in India in terms of Domestic Sales as of June 2024.
For Sanofi, the partnership is a strategic move to deepen penetration in the vast and rapidly-growing Indian pharmaceutical market, particularly within the diabetes segment. Sanofi maintains a significant footprint in India, including one of its four global talent hubs in Hyderabad and a manufacturing site in Goa that supplies to over 60 countries.
“With our strong distribution network in India, Sanofi’s trusted oral anti-diabetic medicines will be available to more patients who need them," said Satish Mehta, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Emcure.
"This collaboration complements our existing diabetes portfolio, creating a comprehensive offering for the millions living with diabetes and supporting better diabetes care across the country,” Mehta added.
The alliance comes as India grapples with a burgeoning diabetes crisis. According to data, over 100 million Indians are living with type 2 diabetes, with more than 60% facing uncontrolled blood sugar levels, elevating their risk of complications.
Eric Mansion, General Manager – Pharma, Southeast Asia and India & MCO Lead at Sanofi said the company's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of diabetic patients. "With Emcure's wide and deeply penetrated presence across India, we're confident of tapping into the full growth potential" for these critical medications, Mansion said.
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