AZ licensing agreement with Aurobindo

Aurobindo Pharma has announced a licensing and supply agreement with AstraZeneca (AZ) to supply the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker with certain generic products to be sold in emerging markets.

The generics involved in the agreement include several solid dosage and sterile products and offer therapeutic care in such areas as anti-infectives, as well as covering conditions affecting the cardiovascular system (CVS) and the central nervous system (CNS).

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

India-based Aurobindo manufactures generic pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, with products marketed in over 125 countries.

This is Aurobindo's second deal with a major global pharmaceutical company to supply drugs for emerging markets following an agreement with Pfizer in 2009.

Speaking on the deal, Kaushik Banerjee, head of branded generics operations at AstraZeneca said "These agreements will enable us to extend the range of branded medicines we are able to offer patients in emerging markets, where we see continued opportunities to grow our business."

Aurobindo chairman P V Ramprasad Reddy said: “Aurobindo's proven track record in building strong, collaborative working relationships is a key driver for these strategic agreements with AstraZeneca which will accelerate our growth plans and support our earnings."