Pharmaceutical major Lupin said it signed a distribution agreement with Switzerland-based pharma firm Aptissen S.A. to exclusively sell Aptissen’s products in Canada.
Established in 2013, Aptissen develops hyaluronic acid polymer-based injectable medicinal products in aesthetic medicine, ophthalmology, and orthopedics. It has presence in more than 50 countries worldwide.
“This partnership helps us expand our product portfolio in the Canadian market”, said Dr. Sofia Mumtaz, President, Lupin Pharma, Canada.
The agreement also includes immediate rights for the sales of Synolis Visco Antalgic (VA) gel, also owned by Aptissen, in Canada.
Synolis VA is an injectable hyaluronic acid gel used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time.
Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints hands, knees, hips and spine.
According to Canada’s national statistics agency, Statistics Canada, osteoarthritis affects more than 10% of Canadians aged 15 and above.
Synolis VA has been already approved by Health Canada and an additional strength is currently under review, Lupin said.
Mumbai-based Lupin is one of the world’s biggest makers of generic drugs, and sells both branded and generic formulations, biotechnology products and pharmaceutical ingredients globally.
It is the world’s biggest manufacturer of anti-TB medicines and focuses on cardiovascular, diabetology, asthma, paediatric, CNS, GI, anti-infective and NSAID segments of the pharma market.
