Strides Arcolab, US-based bio-pharma Co tie-up

New Delhi, Aug 16: Strides Arcolab Ltd today said it has signed a non-exclusive license and technical transfer agreement with US-based bio-pharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences.

The agreement will enable the company to manufacture and distribute generic versions of Truvada and Vlread drugs. It also provides for the manufacture and distribution of a new generation first line therapy in over 90 countries under the Gilead Access Programme.

''This agreement will enable authorised generic versions to be available in eligible countries at a significantly lower cost and consequently lead to substantially larger treatment coverage,'' the company's Vice Chairman and Group CEO Arun Kumar said.

Strides Arcolab is one of the leading manufacturers of ARV drugs and has a range of products approved by the WHO.

It has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) 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, a company statement said.

UNI