AstraZeneca in deal with India's Aurobindo to supply branded generics for emerging markets

In another move by a pharmaceutical major to prop up falling revenues from original drugs in developed markets, Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca has reached an accord with Hyderabad, India-headquartered Aurobindo Pharma to supply finished dosage and sterile products for sale in emerging markets. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

'The agreement will support AstraZeneca's investment in branded generics sold in emerging markets, and these products fall under a broad range of therapeutic segments such as anti-infective, cardiovascular system (CVS) and central nervous system (CNS),' noted Kaushik Banerjee, head of branded generics operations at AstraZeneca, in press release. "These agreements will enable us to extend the range of branded medicines we are able to offer patients in emerging markets, where we see continued opportunities to grow our business,' he added.

Aurobindo Pharma's chairman, PV Ramprasad Reddy, stated that the strategic agreements with AstraZeneca would accelerate the company's growth plans and support its earnings.