Lupin Limited, a Mumbai-headquartered pharmaceutical company, and the specialty pharmaceutical company, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have formed a definitive distribution agreement under which Salix has granted Lupin the exclusive right to market, distribute, and sell certain Salix products in Canada. This includes immediate rights to distribute Zaxine (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in patients 18 years of age or older, and Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) subcutaneous injection for treating opioid-induced constipation. Additionally, the agreement includes future dosage forms, strengths, and indications for such products. Under the agreement, Lupin also has the option to exclusively market, distribute, and sell other gastroenterology products in Salix's Canadian pipeline once approved by Health Canada.

Lupin will promote the Salix products through its own sales force in Canada. Lupin is in the process of establishing its Canadian presence and the addition of this product portfolio opens up growth opportunities for the future. Under agreement, Salix will receive an upfront payment and distribution fees, and is eligible for additional pre-commercial and sales milestone payments. Salix will supply the products to Lupin under separate supply agreements.

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, develops and markets prescription pharmaceutical products and medical devices for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Salix's strategy is to in-license late-stage or marketed proprietary therapeutic products, complete any required development and regulatory submission of these products, and market them through Salix's gastroenterology specialty sales and marketing team.

Source: Lupin Pharmaceuticals