Cipla, a Rs.9,800 crore plus fifth largest Mumbai based pharma major, has signed an agreement with Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a US-based speciality pharmaceutical company. Under the agreement, Cipla has granted Salix exclusive rights under certain patent applications in the ‘Rifaximin Complexes’ patent family controlled by Cipla.

Timothy Crew, chief executive officer, USA and Canada said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Salix Pharmaceuticals and to expand on our existing license to Salix to introduce rights to the ‘Rifaximin Complexes’ patent applications.”

Subhanu Saxena, MD & global chief executive officer, Cipla Limited said, “As we look to go-live with our own front end presence in North America, we are happy that through this association we can demonstrate to the wider industry that we are open to global partnerships for the development and commercialisation of complex products in order to benefit all patients. This deal signifies our ongoing commitment to provide access to innovative treatments to patients worldwide.”

The grant is on a worldwide basis, excluding the countries of Asia (other than Japan) and Africa. Salix is required to make an up-front payment and, upon achievement, additional regulatory milestone payments to Cipla in respect of the new license agreement regarding the ‘Rifaximin Complexes’ patent rights. Salix also will pay a royalty on net sales of products covered by the ‘Rifaximin Complexes’ patents licensed to Salix.

Last year, Cipla announced the expansion of its existing collaboration with MEDA by granting global commercialisation rights for a proprietary combination nasal spray product (fluticasone and azelastine), Dymista.