AstraZeneca agrees deal with Torrent over generics portfolio

AstraZeneca has purchased licensing and marketing rights to a number of generic medicines from Indian healthcare firm Torrent Pharmaceuticals.

The company has agreed the license and supply deal in a bid to increase its presence in the increasingly lucrative generic products market, as well as expand its global reach.

This deal will see AstraZeneca gain authorisation to sell 18 Torrent products in nine different countries, with the agreement allowing for more products and regions to be added at a later date.

Tony Zook, head of AstraZeneca’s global commercial organisation, expressed confidence that the company will have an advantage in the generic medicine sector due to the prestige of its brand.

He added: “Working in partnership with Torrent will extend the range of branded medicines we can offer to patients in emerging markets, where we see continuing opportunities for our business to grow.”

Earlier this month, the company exercised an option to purchase the full rights to a number of drugs developed in collaboration with Merck Sharpe and Dohme, such as Entocort and Plendil.