Lupin to acquire majority stake in Belgian company

Mumbai, May 25 (UNI) Pharma major Lupin will acquire a majority stake in Belgium-based Artifex Finance CVA along with its subsidiaries which includes Dafra Pharma, an anti-malarial-focussed Belgian pharma leader.

A press release issued here today stated that both Lupin, which will be acquiring a 51 per cent stake in Artifex, and Dafra plan to jointly develop new therapies in the anti-TB field for use by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and roll back Malaria.

Dafra is a dedicated anti-malarial company that has developed a marketing and distribution network covering over 25 countries in Africa and works closely with the National Malarial Boards in various countries, the release said.

The acquisition will also enable Lupin to access the existing Dafra infrastructure and distribution network in Africa to market its range of products.

Lupin chairman Dr Desh Bandhu Gupta said, ''This acquisition is a great strategic initiative and will leverage the Company's TB franchise with the WHO and global fund. Lupin's R