Bangalore: Eli Lilly and Company and Strides Arcolab have entered into a collaboration to expand delivery of cancer medicines in the emerging markets. As a part of this arrangement, Lilly will in-license a portfolio of high-quality, branded generic injectable and oral cancer medicines from Agila Specialties, the specialties division of Strides Arcolab, based in Bangalore, India.

Agila Specialties will manufacture the cancer medicines, and Lilly will register and market these medications in multiple geographies across the emerging markets. In addition to the initial 10 medicines included as part of the agreement, Lilly will have the right to add additional high-quality branded generic oncology products to the portfolio in the future.

"Cancer medicines of the highest quality continue to be an unmet need in many markets around the world. Building on our recent investment in a Lilly-branded generics platform in China earlier this year, this agreement will help Lilly expand its portfolio and deliver high-quality cancer medicines to patients
across emerging markets." said Mr Jacques Tapiero, Lilly senior vice president and president of its emerging markets division.

Mr Arun Kumar, founder and group CEO, Strides Arcolab, said that, "We are delighted to partner with Lilly to expand its branded generics platform with high-quality oncology products that will benefit from Lilly's strong global presence in key markets."

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Melt Van Der Spuy, managing director, Lilly India, said that, "This strategic partnership marks Lilly India's entry into branded generics, reaffirming our commitment to reach more Indian patients. We believe this partnership will help us build a significantly larger and more meaningful presence in the Indian cancer segment, and hence, enable us to better serve many more Indian patients suffering from various forms of cancer."