Lupin links with Celon Pharma for generic Advair Diskus

Indian drug major Lupin has entered into a definitive agreement with Polish drugmaker Celon Pharma to develop fluticasone/salmeterol dry powder inhaler (DPI) product which is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's (LSE: GSK) blockbuster respiratory drug Advair Diskus.

Lupin will undertake marketing of the product and Celon will supply the product for commercialization in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and other key markets. GSK's Advair had global sales of £4.23 billion ($6.5 billion) in 2014.

Vinita Gpta, chief executive of Lupin, commented: “This collaboration is an important milestone in Lupin's efforts to evolve its global inhalation pipeline. We are very pleased to partner with Celon given their experience in the development and manufacturing of fluticasone/salmeterol DPI in the USA and other markets will accelerate the development of generic Advair Diskus for global markets. We look forward to providing access to high quality, affordable fluticasone/salmeterol DPI as part of our strategy to deliver inhaled products to key markets.”