Glenmark, Merck''s Generics in derma products pact in the UK

17 July 2006

Mumbai: Glenmark (UK) and Generics (UK) will jointly develop eight generic dermatological products for the European market. The agreement covers products, which have current sales of around $225 million, Glenmark informed the BSE in a release.

Glenmark (UK) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals while Generics (UK) belongs to the Merck Generics Group, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany.

Glenmark will develop, manufacture and supply the products while both the companies would be responsible for their own sales and marketing.

"The first of these products has already been filed and is targeted to be launched in 2007. The remaining products are expected to be launched by 2010," the release added.

"We are happy to partner with Merck Generics, which, besides being a well respected global generic pharmaceutical player, also has a strong sales presence in Europe. Our association is a testament to Glenmark''s combined strengths in dermatology and R&D," Glenn Saldanha, MD and CEO of Glenmark Pharma, said in the release.

Glenmark commenced its European operations by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals [UK] Ltd in 2004. Its focus is on developing and marketing niche and branded generic products. The company is also evaluating inorganic growth opportunities, including acquisition of sales and distribution rights in select high-potential European markets.