Merck & Co., Inc. and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.,
a leading Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, today announced the
creation of a joint venture to develop, manufacture and commercialize new combinations
and formulations of innovative, branded generics in the Emerging Markets.
“Merck’s Emerging Markets strategy is driven by our
overarching focus on applying innovation across our business from introducing
novel compounds to broadening our focus on innovative branded generics,” said
Kevin Ali, president, Emerging Markets, Merck/MSD. “By combining forces
with Sun Pharma, we are complementing our innovative product portfolio with a
solid foundation for addressing the diverse needs of patients, physicians and
governments across the Emerging Markets.” The partnership combines Sun
Pharma’s proven track record of leadership and expertise in rapid, innovative
product development using Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd’s
(“SPARC”) proprietary platform technologies, and Sun Pharma’s
world-class manufacturing network with Merck’s clinical development and
registration expertise and a broad, geographic commercial footprint. The
companies said that they will focus on ‘innovative branded generics,’ that
bring together combinations of medicines using platform delivery technologies designed
to enhance convenience for patients in Emerging Markets. The joint venture will
be structured through Merck and Sun Pharma’s respective subsidiaries. Financial
details of the joint venture were not disclosed.
“This joint venture reinforces our strategy of
partnering to launch products using our highly innovative delivery technologies
around the world,” said Dilip S. Shanghvi, chairman and managing director,
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. “Merck has an unrivalled reputation as a
world leading, innovative, research-driven pharmaceutical company.
We’re proud to be associated with them and look forward to
working together.” Experts estimate that during the coming decade, the
Emerging Markets are expected to drive 90 percent of the world’s pharmaceutical
growth, with 75 percent of that growth coming from branded generics. In these markets,
the growing burden of chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and hepatitis, along with an increasing population and economic prosperity, is
leading to an increased demand for branded generics.
“Merck has a proud legacy of developing innovative
medicines and vaccines with proven ability to impact global human health,”
said Ali.
“We are making good progress executing on our Emerging
Markets growth strategy by establishing novel partnerships and strategic
alliances.
This joint venture helps position us for leadership in the
fastest growing geographies.” The collaboration between MSD and Sun Pharma
will be managed by a Joint Board and leadership team, consisting of members of
senior management from both companies.