Date:06/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/06/stories/2008050651110200.htm

GSK in pact with Japanese co

Mumbai, May 5

The antifungal market is seeing increasing activity in the local market. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharma said on Monday that it has entered into an agreement with Japan’s Astellas Pharma Inc for exclusive rights to sell the latter’s injectable anti-fungal agent Micafungin, branded Mycamine, in the local market. A product from Astellas’ research, Micafungin had received Japanese approval in 2002. The alliance was in line with GSK Pharma’s strategy for g rowth in the local market and, according to company officials, the product further strengthens its presence in intensive care. In a separate announcement, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd said that it launched its topical antifungal cream Onabet (sertaconazole nitrate 2 per cent cream) in the domestic market. Pharma analysts estimate the local anti-fungal market to be over Rs 300 crore.

— Our Bureau