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Mumbai, July 27 Themis Laboratories Pvt Ltd has signed a technology transfer agreement with Aventis Pharma Ltd for fixed-dose combinations using two of its best selling medicines, glibenclamide (Daonil) and glimepiride (Amaryl).

The two drugs would be combined individually with sustained-release metformin through a technology developed by Themis Laboratories, and the product would be used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Daonil and Amaryl are among the best selling products from the Sanofi-Aventis research pipeline and were available as single-ingredient drugs for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Metformin is another ingredient used in diabetes medicines.

There was a need to introduce a fixed dose combination for both drugs with metformin sustained-release formulation through a technology that would ensure the required bioavailability, a note from Sanofi-Aventis said.

As per the agreement, Aventis Pharma (part of the Sanofi-Aventis group) will retain exclusive rights for these combinations developed by Themis.

In a company statement, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director of Aventis Pharma Ltd, said that the technology transfer agreement with Themis has enabled Aventis Pharma to introduce Daonil M and Amaryl M in India to give doctors and patients access to quality combination products with indigenously developed patented technology of Themis Laboratories.

This will widen their portfolio of drugs to manage Type 2 diabetes at various disease progression points. “The new fixed-dose combination products use, on an exclusive basis, a patented technology developed by Themis Laboratories that ensures the required bio-availability of individual components and improves convenience and compliance with therapy,” he said.

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