Dr Reddy's, Pharmazz Sign Licence Pact To Commercialise Novel Therapy

Leading pharmaceutical firm Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced that it has signed a license agreement with US-based biopharma Pharmazz to commercialize the first-in-class breakthrough medication Centhaquine in India. 

Centhaquine, developed by Pharmazz, is a resuscitative drug that the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has licensed for the treatment of hypovolemic shock. According to the deal, Dr. Reddy's has exclusive rights to market and distribute Centhaquine in India.

Pharmazz will be entitled to both upfront cash and royalties. Dr. Reddy's will commercialize the medicine under the Lyfaquin brand name, which it will own. In addition to India, the pharmaceutical company has secured marketing rights for Lyfaquin from Pharmazz in Nepal.

Pharmazz, founded by Indian-American scientist-turned-entrepreneur Anil Gulati, has signed its second partnership in the previous six months. Previously, it agreed to sign an exclusive licensing agreement with Sun Pharma to offer the new anti-stroke medication sovateltide under the brand name Tyvalzi in India. The medicine was approved by DCGI before being sanctioned in India.

“The partnership with Pharmazz and launch of this first-in-class drug marks the latest in our effort to enter into strategic collaborations to bring novel molecules to India to meet genuine unmet patient needs," said M.V. Ramana, CEO, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr.Reddy’s.

"The clinical studies for Lyfaquin have demonstrated significantly better and promising outcomes, making it a potential add-on drug in the management of hypovolemic shock and enhancing the current standard of care for its treatment in India,” Ramana added.

“India's emergence as a hub for developing and introducing innovative medicines is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the country's growing capabilities in research and development within the pharmaceutical sector. It is a large step for Pharmazz to partner with Dr. Reddy's, a leadingglobal pharmaceutical company from India.