Merck Serono to broaden portfolio in emerging markets through Lupin agreement
First product launches expected in 2016
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of German pharmaceutical giant Merck, has established a long-term partnership with Indian generics manufacturer Lupin.
Mumbai-based Lupin will support Merck Serono in the expansion of its General Medicines portfolio in emerging markets.
The agreement builds on an established working relationship between the two companies, and could add up to 20 new products to the current portfolio.
The first launches are expected in 2016.
Through this partnership, Merck Serono will expand its overall portfolio in core therapeutic areas of its General Medicine & Endocrinology franchise in countries in Latin America, Asia, Central Eastern Europe, and Africa. The partnership covers major markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines alongside several countries in Africa and Central Eastern Europe, as well as countries in emerging markets, focusing on cardiovascular and diabetes diseases. In Africa, medicines will also be supplied for additional therapeutic areas, reflecting local healthcare needs such as availability of antibiotics.
'The agreement with Lupin is an exciting new approach for Merck Serono to address local health needs in fast-growing regions with constantly increasing demand for high quality medicines from trusted companies like Merck Serono and Lupin,' said Elcin Ergun, Head of Global Commercial at Merck Serono.
'The collaboration will significantly strengthen our portfolio and Merck Serono’s position as one of the major players in emerging markets, aiming to provide patients in these regions with better access to health.'
Merck Serono reported sales in emerging markets of almost €1.8bn in 2013.
Lupin will develop products, provide dossiers and supply finished medicines to Merck Serono. Merck Serono will hold the marketing authorisation for the products, and will leverage its commercial and medical teams in emerging markets to bring the new medicines to customers.
No financial details of the deal have been revealed by either company.
