AstraZeneca AB has acquired Vancocin CP (Vancomycin) Trade Mark for India and Nepal from Eli Lilly.

Vancocin CP, widely considered the treatment of choice for resistant bugs called MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), ideally complements AstraZeneca's flagship brand Meronem, the ultra-broad spectrum antibiotic with proven efficacy against ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta- Lactamase) producers. AstraZeneca already has a strong presence in the Intensive Care Unit set up with Meronem.

Vancocin CP, with its strong brand equity and leadership position in the Indian market, is a perfect fit and will enhance and further strengthen our existing portfolio," said Bhasker Iyer, Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.

According to the company release, AstraZeneca is convinced that the augmented portfolio would now offer clinicians a valuable synergistic combination to effectively manage patients with serious infections that are difficult to detect & treat. Meronem, AstraZeneca's global, research brand, belongs to the carbapenem group of antibiotics with a dominant 52 percent share, in a competitive market with more than 16 brands. Launched in 2002, Meronem is used in ICUs across India for the management of serious infections such as Pneumonia, Sepsis, Meningitis etc.

Vinod Mattoo, Medical Director, Eli Lilly India added, "This is a conscious decision as a part of our global strategy, to divest from products that do not fit into our key therapeutic areas, Vancocin CP is one such product. We will however continue to focus on our other key therapy areas like Diabetes,

Eli Lilly India has been promoting Vancocin CP since 1994 and commands a 54% market share and enjoys a strong equity amongst specialists across the country.