Dr Reddy enters into 10-year agreement with Sygnis AG for AX200

New Delhi Nov 26 (UNI) Drug maker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd and Sygnis Pharma AG has entered into a 10-year agreement for the supply of active ingredient AX200 used for the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.

''We are very optimistic that AX200 will continue to show real potential in the treatment of acute stroke with the potential to be used in the treatment of other degenerative neurological diseases,'' Dr Reddy's Head of Biologics Cartikeya Reddy said.

The agreement secures the supply of AX200 far beyond the clinical development and provides a solid basis for the envisaged marketing of the compound, a company statement said.

Sygnis successfully completed a Phase IIa clinical trial of AX200 in September, that demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with acute stroke. In the second half of 2008, Sygnis plans to start a Phase IIb efficacy trial in acute Stroke with AX200 supplied by the Company. Stroke affects over five million patients worldwide every year and is the third leading cause of death, presenting a major socio-economic burden, the statement added.

UNI