Ranbaxy Laboratories and Cipher Pharmaceuticals have entered into a licencing agreement under which Ranbaxy would market, sell and distribute the latter’s isotretinoin capsules in Brazil.
“The agreement extends the current relationship with Cipher, under which Ranbaxy is marketing and distributing Cipher’s isotretinoin product in the US under the brand Absorica,” Ranbaxy said in a statement.
Isotretinoin is primarily used to treat cystic acne. Sometimes it is also used to prevent certain skin cancers, besides being used to treat brain, pancreatic and other forms of cancer.
Under the contract, Cipher will supply the product, for which it will receive upfront payment, besides being eligible for additional pre-commercial milestone payments, Ranbaxy said. Ranbaxy would be responsible for receiving regulatory nods for the product in Brazil.
“The isotretinoin formulation is expected to be a flagship product in Ranbaxy’s dermatology franchise in Brazil, once it achieves regulatory approval,” Ranbaxy said.