Wockhardt Ltd has signed an in-licensing agreement with Crawford Healthcare, UK to market Zindaclin, a patented 'Once-a-day' topical application for Acne. Zindaclin is the first 'Once-a-day' acne antibiotic to be launched in India. According to ORG-IMS, the Indian market is worth Rs 1680 million for this product.

According to the company's chairman Habil Khorakiwala, "Zindaclin has proved its effectiveness in Europe and the US. This product will greatly benefit Indian patients with its efficacy and usage pattern". Adding further he said, "Wockhardt's India business is registering a huge growth over the years and in-licensing will be a key growth driver for the future".

Acne is the most common inflammatory condition during adolescence, affecting more than 85 per cent of teenagers, but frequently continues into adulthood. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression.

World-over, topical antibiotics remain the mainstay of medical treatments prescribed for acne. Gone are the days of multiple daily dosages or applying messy complicated formulations. Medical professionals and patients both agree that Zindaclin's real benefit ensures compliance of the full treatment.

This licensing deal follows the launch of Vitix and Viticolor, patented products from LSI and Crawford of UK respectively, for the treatment of Vitiligo in the Indian market.

As in the case of Vitix and Viticolor, Wockhardt will manufacture Zindaclin in India from imported active ingredients. Zindaclin will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2007 by Wockhardt's dedicated dermatology team, SkinUno.

Crawford Healthcare is a UK-based speciality pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing treatment for a range of skin conditions.