Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc., the US subsidiary of pharmaceutical major Lupin Ltd, has signed a startegic licensing agreement with US pharmaceutical company Romark Laboratories LC which grants Lupin exclusive rights to promote, distribute and market Alinia (nitazoxanide) for oral suspension in the US.

“We are excited with the addition of Alinia for oral suspension to our Brands portfolio. Thhe agreement demonstrates Lupin's commitment to grow its brands franchise in the US and bring meaningful products to the paediatric community. Our sales and marketing efforts will commence immediately and we are optimistic that Alinia will contribute to our growth and profitability in the coming quarters and years,” said Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and group president, Lupin Ltd.

Alinia (nitazoxanide) is the first thiazolide approved by the US FDA for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia and is the only FDA-approved  treatment for Cryptosporidium. Alinia for oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum in patients one year of age and older. These are the two most common protozoal causes of diarrhoea in the developed and developing world.

Use of Alinia suspension in children is facilitated by relatively simple dosing and administartion; a strawberry flavoured suspension given twice a day for three days (100mg BID for ages 1-3 and 200 mg BID for ages 4-11).

Alinia for oral suspension will not only enable Lupin to strenghten its existing brand portfolio but also expands its offering specifically, but not milited to the US Paediatrics segment. Key prescribers for Alinia include paediatricians, paediatric, gastroentrologists and primary care physicians which are strategic customer groups for Lupin so we are well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Lupin's current 160+ strong brands sales force will promote Alinia for oral suspension in the US market. The product will be marketed along with Lupin's Suprax and Antara.