Lupin Ltd has formalised a research and development agreement with Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation to apply its proprietary technologies to multiple therapeutic compounds.
The Mumbai-based drug company will get $20 million as upfront payment from the US-based Medicis for formulating certain therapeutic products for Medicis, using Lupin's formulation technologies, a note from the company said.
The development comes even as Lupin announced a settlement of all litigation over acne-drug Solodyn (minocycline HCI-extended release tablets) — also with Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.
The two developments are not linked and there is an arm's length between the co-development agreement and the settlements, Mr Nilesh Gupta, Lupin Group President and Executive Director, told
In case of co-development, Lupin's technologies will be applied to products from Medicis, making Lupin eligible for future research, development, regulatory and other milestones of up to $38 million, besides a single-digit royalty on sales by Medicis, he said.
Lupin has about 14 technology platforms, he added.
Medicis will have global exclusive rights (excluding India) for the products developed under the agreement.
Regarding the settlement, Lupin said it would be able to sell its generic versions of Solodyn in multiple strengths (45mg, 90mg, and 135mg) under a licence from Medicis from November 2011 or earlier depending on certain conditions.
The settlement also allows Lupin to sell its generic versions of Solodyn in 65mg and 115mg under a licence from Medicis from February 2018, besides being able to sell the same medicine in the 55mg, 80mg and 105mg strengths under a licence from Medicis from February 2019, the company added.