Lilly taps Strides Arcolab for cancer generics

Eli Lilly has licensed a portfolio of cancer medicines from India's Strides Arcolab to help it expand its presence in emerging pharmaceutical markets.

The US-headquartered drugmaker has set up a partnership with Strides Arcolab subsidiary Agila Specialties for a range of oral and injectable cancer drugs, which will be manufactured by the Indian firm and sold by Lilly "in multiple geographies".

A total of 10 drugs are included in the current deal, with Lilly retaining an option to add in additional cancer medicines in future. The deal represents Lilly's first entry into the branded generics market in India.

The latest deal comes shortly after it signed a similar manufacturing agreement with China's Novast Laboratories to develop a pipeline of generics across multiple therapeutic areas for the Asian market.

"Cancer medicines of the highest quality continue to be an unmet need in many markets around the world," commented Jacques Tapiero, who heads Lilly's emerging markets division.

"This agreement will help Lilly expand its portfolio and deliver high-quality cancer medicines to patients across emerging markets," he added.

Like many of its peers in the pharmaceutical sector Lilly has set itself a target of expanding the proportion of sales it makes from emerging economies. 

The drugmaker reported in its third-quarter results statement that sales in these territories declined 6 per cent, held back by exchange rate factors and generic competition to its branded medicines, so an expansion of its generic portfolio is one route back to revenue growth.

In addition to generic deals, Lilly has also forged closer ties with local pharma companies to help drive adoption of its branded products. Last year, for example, the company enlisted the aid of Lupin Ltd to promote its Huminsulin and Humapen insulin ranges in India.

Financial details of the Strides Arcolab deal have not been released.