Strides Arcolab concludes strategic ARV agreement with Gilead

Mumbai, Aug 16 (UNI) Strides Arcolab today announced that they have signed a non-exclusive license and technical transfer agreement with US-based bio-pharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences for the manufacture and distribution of generic versions of Anti Retro Viral (ARV) drugs, to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa and Asia including India.

This agreement will enable the company to manufacture generic versions of Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Vlread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), and distribute the new generation first line therapy in over 90 countries under the 'Gilead Access' program.

In a statement issued here, vice-chairman and group CEO Mr. Arun Kumar said that this agreement signed between a global pharmaceutical company and an emerging Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer highlights our ability to leverage global opportunities. It isindicative of Strides' ability to align with global companies'initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS.

This agreement will enable authorizedgeneric versions to be available in eligible countries at a significantly lower cost and consequently lead to substantially larger treatment coverage.

The company is amongst India's largest manufacturers of ARV drugs and has a range of products approved by the WHO.

The company has received tentative approval from the US FDA for generic Nevirapine tablets. Several other ARV dossiers are under evaluation by US FDA.

The company is also partnering with the Clinton Foundation to ensure availability of affordable quality generic ARVs in least developed countries.

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