Lupin, Merck Serono ink deal for emerging markets

Lupin would support Merck Serono’s expansion of the company’s general medicines portfolio in this region. And this in turn would help address local needs for affordable medicines, Lupin said, without disclosing financial details of the agreement.

The agreement could add up to 20 new products to the current portfolio, and the first launches are expected in 2016.

Through the partnership, Merck Serono will expand its core therapeutic areas of general medicine and endocrinology in select countries in Latin America, Asia, Central Eastern Europe, and Africa.

The partnership covers markets including Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines alongside several countries in Africa and Central Eastern Europe, focusing on cardiovascular and diabetes diseases.

In Africa, medicines will cater to local healthcare needs such as antibiotics, the note added.

Emerging markets are a key growth driver for Merck Serono amounting to close to €1.8 billion in 2013, the note said.

Lupin will develop the products, provide product dossiers and supply finished products to Merck Serono. Merck Serono will be the marketing authorisation holder for the products, the company said. Business Line