The Vadodara-based Astral Pharmaceutical Industries, manufacturer of sterile antibiotic powder injectable formulation and sterile active pharmaceutical ingredients, has entered into collaboration with the US-based Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc to manufacture and supply injectable products for the latter.

As per the agreement, Astral Pharmaceuticals will develop, manufacture and supply injectable products for which Sagent will obtain US regulatory approval and market in the US. It is expected to help the Indian firm to quickly expand its manufacturing expertise in injectable anti-infectives to the US market.

Commenting on the agreement Dushyant R Patel, CEO, Astral Pharmaceutical Industries, said, "Astral is rapidly establishing a global footprint. Collaborating with a partner of Sagent's caliber in the United States is a fantastic opportunity for Astral to quickly expand our science, quality and manufacturing expertise in injectable anti-infectives to the US market."

"Sagent is committed to establishing strategic partnerships that provide the most diverse and extensive pipeline for our hospital-focused customers," said, Jeffrey M Yordon, CEO, founder and chairman, Sagent Pharmaceuticals. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Astral, a leading, worldwide manufacturer of much needed antibiotic injectable products. This partnership in a key therapeutic category strongly positions Sagent in our target markets."

The US firm already has similar kind of an agreement with the Banglore-based Strides Acrolab Ltd to jointly develop, supply and market injectable products for the US market. The agreement initially targets more than 25 products. Under the agreement, Strides will develop and supply injectable products that Sagent will market in the United States.

According to Astral, it is the first Indian company to develop indigenous technology to manufacture sterile amoxicillin sodium and has subsequently integrated into production of sterile antibiotic powder formulations. Astral has independent and dedicated facilities to manufacture injectable formulations for cephalosporin and penicillin products.