Lupin limited, a leading pharmaceutical company and Aspen Pharmacare of South Africa, a global leader in generic ARV’s, have entered into marketing collaboration agreement for the TB related products in the South Africa.

The agreement involves cooperation in the areas of technology, manufacture and marketing. The arrangement would leverage the considerable expertise in the technology that Lupin has in the area of cures for TB and Aspen’s marketing/technical capabilities. The current market size for TB drugs in South Africa is estimated at approx. US$ 15 million.

The arrangement envisages Aspen making milestone payments aggregating US$ 2 million to Lupin and profit sharing between the two partners. Aspen has an extensive basket of quality, effective and affordable productsin the branded, generic, OTC and other categories.

Dr K K. Sharma, managing director, Lupin commented, “This is a great opportunity for Lupin and Aspin to bring cost effective TB drugs to the growing South African market. We are delighted about our relationship with Aspen and we would like to see the scope expand over time”.

Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “The agreement enhances South Africa and Aspen’s ability to respond to the growing TB pandemic that continues to affect all sectors of society. HIV and AIDS have substantially raised TB infection rates in South Africa, thereby placing immense pressure on the country’s healthcare resources. Consequently, Aspen is the only pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country to offer both first and second line TB treatments and Aspen is the continent’s leader in providing pharmaceutical solutions for poverty-related diseases”.