Lupin, Boehringer Ingelheim to co-market linagliptin in India

New Delhi: Drug majors Lupin and Boehringer Ingelheim on Wednesday announced a strategic alliance to co-market anti-diabetes drug linagliptin in India.

"According to the agreement, Lupin will market and sell linagliptin under a separate brand name Ondero (monotherapy) and Ondero Met (fixed-dose combination with metformin) which will be promoted by Lupin's 400 strong dedicated Diabetes speciality field force," Lupin said in a BSE filing.

Linagliptin, is a novel Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

Boehringer Ingelheim will continue to sell its linagliptin under the brand names Trajenta (monotherapy) and TrajentaDuo (fixed-dose combination with metformin) through their existing sales force and network.

Lupin Group President, India Region Formulations, Shakti Chakraborty said: "I believe our entry into the high growth DPP-4 Inhibitor market with the launch of Ondero and Ondero Met will not only strengthen our diabetes portfolio but also help us consolidate our position as a market leader and the fastest growing player in the top 5 in the anti-diabetes segment."

Quoting IMS data, Lupin said Indian diabetes market is valued at Rs 7,655 crore, growing at 19.57 percent as on August.

"The total DPP-4 Inhibitors market is valued at Rs 1,499 crore and growing at 26.55 percent," it added.

Lupin's said its antidiabetic portfolio contributes 15 percent to Lupin's India formulations sales.

Shares of Lupin were trading at Rs 2,046, up 1.12 percent, from previous close on BSE.