India’s Lupin Acquires Majority Stake In Japanese Generic Manufacturer Kyowa
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Demonstrating the growing power of Indian pharmaceutical companies, Mumbai-based Lupin Limited has acquired a majority stake in Japanese generic manufacturer Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co
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Demonstrating the growing power of Indian pharmaceutical companies, Mumbai-based Lupin Limited has acquired a majority stake in Japanese generic manufacturer Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co. Financial details of the deal, which was announced Oct. 10, were not disclosed, though Osaka-based Kyowa had sales of ¥7.4 billion ($63.95 billion) for the year ended March 2007. Lupin, like other Indian pharmas including Dr. Reddy's and Ranbaxy, is increasingly looking to develop new chemical entities, with a focus on anti-tuberculosis, anti-infectives (cephalosporins) and cardiovascular therapies. It also has a presence in diabetes, NSAIDs and asthma. In India, Lupin filed an IND in September 2002 for a migraine medication given intra-nasally. Other compounds in TB, psoriasis and anti-inflammatories are in pre-clinical stages. Lupin also is conducting research on novel drug delivery systems, including oral controlled-release systems and advance drug delivery systems. The company launched the world's first once-a-day cefadroxil tablet (Odoxil OD) in November 2003. The firm operates a generics business, as well. Kyowa's product portfolio includes therapies in the psychiatric and neurological, CV, respiratory and allergy, and digestive system categories. The company markets its generics under the registered brand AMEL. Kyowa and Lupin have worked together since August 2005, when the firms signed a Japanese marketing deal focused on finished formulations. Commenting on this latest deal, Lupin Chairman Desh Bandhu Gupta said, "This is a very significant part of our strategy to tap leading global markets and establishes a beachhead in the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world." Kyowa Chairman Y. Sugiura added, "I am delighted that Lupin Limited is acquiring a majority stake in Kyowa and I am sure that with its global vision, Lupin will be able to propel Kyowa to the top league in Japan." - Jonathan M. Block ([email protected]) |