| Mon 26 Sep 2005, 12:13 | | Aspen And Lupin Sign TB Deal |
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Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited - Aspen And Lupin Sign TB Deal
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1985/002935/06)
Share code: APN ISIN: ZAE000066692
Press Release
September 26, 2005
ASPEN AND LUPIN SIGN TB DEAL
JSE listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited and Lupin Limited of India have
entered into an agreement to collaborate in the tuberculosis (TB) related
products market in South Africa. The agreement involves cooperation in the
areas of technology, manufacture and marketing.
Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, `the agreement enhances South
Africa and Aspen`s ability to respond to the growing TB pandemic that continues
to affect all sectors of society. HIV and AIDS have substantially raised TB
infection rates in South Africa, thereby placing immense pressure on the
country`s healthcare resources. Aspen also previously received licenses for
multi-drug resistant TB drugs from Eli Lilly. These combined deals complement
Aspen`s strength in the TB environment. Consequently Aspen is the only
pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country to offer both first and second line
TB treatments and Aspen is the continent`s leader in providing pharmaceutical
solutions for poverty-related diseases.`
Dr K K Sharma, Managing Director, Lupin Limited said, `this is a great
opportunity for Lupin and Aspen to bring cost effective TB medication to the
growing South African market. We are enthusiastic about our relationship with
Aspen and we would like to see the scope of this expand over time.`
The arrangement will leverage the Lupin`s technological expertise relating to
cures for TB, as well as Aspen`s extensive marketing and technical capabilities.
The current market size for TB medication in South Africa is estimated at
approximately USD 15 million per annum.
The agreement makes provision for milestone payments of up to USD 2 million from
Aspen to Lupin based on achievement of key deliverables and a profit sharing
arrangement. The agreement remains subject to the fulfilment of certain
conditions precedent.
ends
Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications
Tel: (012) 661-8467 : Fax: (088) (012) 6618467
Cell: 082 389 8900
On Behalf Of: Gus Attridge, Aspen Holdings Deputy Group CEO
Tel: (031) 580-8604 : Fax: (031) 580-8640
Cell: 083 628 8813
About Lupin
Headquartered in Mumbai, Lupin (http://www.lupinworld.com) develops,
manufactures and markets generic intermediates, active pharmaceutical
ingredients and finished dosages. Its FY 2004-05 revenues were USD 280 million.
Eleven of Lupin`s plants have been approved by the US FDA and two facilities
have been approved by the UK MHRA.
About Aspen
Aspen is the southern hemisphere`s largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer
and a global leader in generic ARVs. Aspen is also acknowledged as Africa`s
largest pharmaceutical manufacturer and as a major supplier of branded
pharmaceutical and healthcare products to southern African and selected
international markets.
Aspen has an extensive basket of quality, effective and affordable products in
the branded, generic, over-the-counter, personal care, fast moving consumer
goods, nutriceutical and infant milk formula categories.
Aspen became the world`s first pharmaceutical manufacturer to be granted US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to manufacture combination therapy
generic anti-retrovirals (ARVs) in a co-packed form. This was enabled through
voluntary licences from GlaxoSmithKline and Boehringer Ingleheim and underscores
Aspen`s scientific and technical capabilities, its manufacturing and quality
standards, and GMP compliances.
Aspen`s off shore subsidiaries contribute toward the Group`s strategy of
establishing a presence in selected geographic areas. Co-Pharma operates in the
UK market, while UK based Aspen Resources is an intellectual property owning
subsidiary of Aspen Holdings. Aspen Pharmacare Australia continues to complement
the Aspen Group`s off shore strategy of increased growth in selected off-shore
territories and it is an extension of the Group`s worldwide network of strategic
alliances offering a range of products in niche market areas.
For more information about Aspen, click on www.aspenpharma.com
Date: 26/09/2005 12:00:08 PM
Produced by the JSE SENS Department
