Lupin's Canadian subsidiary Lupin Pharma Canada Ltd has launched its first brand product Zaxine under a strategic licensing agreement with the North Carolina based GI specialty company Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc. The agreement grants Lupin exclusive rights to promote, distribute and market Zaxine in the Canada. With the launch of Zaxine, Lupin scrip went up by over Rs.25 on BSE in the afternoon session and touched to day's highest at Rs.1819.

Zaxine, 550 mg, (rifaximin), is a long term antibiotic treatment for adults living with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a complication of liver disease (cirrhosis). HE can lead to a wide spectrum of mental and physical symptoms, including confusion, disruption in sleep patterns, personality changes and coma Zaxine 550 mg has approved by Health Canada under priority review for the reduction in risk of overt HE recurrence in patients above 18 year of age.

Lupin will promote the product to hepatologists and gastroenterologists through its own specialty sales force in Canada. It is in the process of establishing its Canadian presence and the launch opens up growth opportunities for the future. Zaxine is a 'First-in-Class' treatment for HE that currently has limited options for long term treatment.

Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin said, “We are very excited with the expansion of Lupin's business into Canada given the opportunity we have, to create a Brand presence with the launch of Zaxine. The launch demonstrates Lupin's commitment to grow its brand franchise in North America and bring meaningful products to patients in Canada.”