Company Watch

Shasun signs manufacturing pact with Gilead

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Shasun Chemicals and Drugs signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Gilead Sciences for the manufacture and sale of the generic version of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, using Gilead's proprietary technology. Tenofovir is a well-established therapy for second line treatment of HIV/AIDS. It was recently endorsed by WHO for first-line treatment as well. The drug is characterised by low incidence of resistance compared to other first-line therapies.

The non-exclusive license agreement allows Shasun to manufacture both active ingredient and finished dosage, and sell it in 95 countries including India. Shasun expects to commercialise the technology received from Gilead within the next 12 months and file for regulatory approvals. Shasun already manufactures and commercially supplies its key intermediates at its UK plant.