Merck & Co to launch production of four drugs in Russia

The USA’s Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) has signed an agreement with Akrikhin, one of Russia’s largest drugmakers, on the establishment of production of its drugs at Akrikhin’s facilities in the Moscow region.

Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will launch the production of four drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), as the company is known outside of North America.

The production of the first drug (with the active ingredient simvastatin, Merck’s now off-patent cholesterol drug Zocor), which is used for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, will commence next month, while the production of three other drugs, including the anti-diabetic Januvia (sitagliptin), is expected to be launched next year.