Lupin Ltd, the Mumbai-based pharma major, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary - Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (LPI) has entered into an alliance with Cornerstone BioPharma, Inc. as a promotion partner in the US for its Suprax (cefixime) antiinfective.

Suprax was approved in 2004 and has been promoted by LPI's paediatric focused sales force. This partnership represents a significant expansion in the scope of physician coverage for Suprax in the $1.2 billion US oral suspension anti-infective market. Suprax (Cefixime) Oral Suspension is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate infections, including uncomplicated urinary tract infection; otitis media and pharyngitis / tonsillitis.

Commenting on the agreement Vinita Gupta, MD & president, LPI, Inc. said, "We believe Suprax offers physicians an attractive option in this era of increasing resistance to existing therapies. Cornerstone's promotion of the brand complements and enhances our reach of Suprax beyond Lupin's paediatric focus to the primary care market."

"We look forward to growing sales and market share for Suprax, while developing a working relationship with Lupin," said Craig Collard, CEO of Cornerstone.

Cornerstone BioPharma, Inc. is a non-traditional specialty pharmaceutical company focused in the pain, wound healing, and respiratory markets. The company markets two prescription strength Schedule IV pain products, as well as multiple prescription and OTC respiratory medications. The company is active in the development of late stage technologies as well as licensing of additional prescription products in the pain, dermatology and wound healing categories.