Aurobindo Pharma’s wholly-owned arm, Eugia Pharma Specialities Ltd, signed a voluntary sub-licensing agreement with Medicines Patent Pool (MPP). They will develop and market an anti-cancer drug. The drug is called Nilotinib capsules and is used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
The sub-licensing agreement permits Eugia to manufacture and sell Nilotinib capsules. The agreement covers 44 low and middle-income countries (LMICs).These countries include India, South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia. Eugia can now produce and distribute Nilotinib capsules in these countries.
Nilotinib capsules are marketed by Novartis as Tasigna, priced at around $10,000 per year in the US. The MPP agreement anticipates significantly lower prices for Nilotinib capsules.
The MPP is a non-profit organization. It facilitates the development and distribution of affordable generic versions of patented medicines. The focus is on LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries).The organization was founded in 2010 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The agreement between Eugia and MPP is a significant development in the fight against cancer. It will allow more patients in LMICs to access affordable treatment for CML.
