Pfizer to market 40 Strides Arcolab generic drugs in the US

The world's largest drugmaker, Pfizer has struck a collaboration deal yesterday to sell 40 generic drugs manufactured by Strides Arcolab of India to expand the its  generics business in the US.

The first of the products commercialized under this collaboration is expected to be launched in 2010.

Under the deal, New York-based Pfizer will commercialise off-patent sterile injectable and oral products in the US through its 'established products business unit'.

These finished dosage form products will be licensed and supplied by Strides and its joint venture partner, Aspen Pharma of South Africa, in which each has a 50 per cent ownership interest in Onco Laboratories Limited and Onco Therapies Limited.

The companies believe this is a highly complementary collaboration, which is expected to deliver 40 off-patent products, many of which are oncology therapeutics, to healthcare providers and patients in the US, by joining Pfizer's solid commercial infrastructure with Strides's manufacturing capabilities.

Both companies did not disclose the financial terms of the supply agreement, but according to analysts, the deal could rake in approximately $300 to $400 million over a three-year period for Strides, while Pfizer could profit by over a billion dollars.