The Hyderabad based pharmaceutical company Natco Pharma Ltd has entered into collaboration with the US-based pharma major, Mylan Inc., for worldwide marketing and distribution of Glatiramer Acetate (sold as Copaxone, a trade mark owned by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd).

Natco has signed a license and supply agreement today with Mylan for its glatiramer acetate pre-filled syringes, a generic version of Teva's Copaxone, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis. The agreement grants Mylan exclusive distribution rights in the United States and all major markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada, and includes an option to expand into additional territories.

Natco has already successfully commercialized its glatiramer acetate product in India and the Ukraine. Teva has reported that worldwide sales of Copaxone R were more than US $1.7 billion in 2007.

"We are happy that we could conclude this agreement with Mylan to market and distribute glatiramer acetate in US and other countries," said, Rajeev Nannapaneni, director and chief operating officer of Natco Pharma Ltd.

The company said that the agreement has been concluded after working with Mylan for several months. Natco opines that Mylan's strengths and its market presence would be just right for this product. Natco's inherent technical capabilities have enabled development of this generic product and Natco expects that Mylan's expertise in regulatory applications would enable this product to be available to the widest possible patient base.