As a part of the deal, Agila Specialties, the specialties division of Strides Arcolab, will manufacture the branded generic injectable and oral cancer medicines, while Eli Lilly will register and market them.

Initially, 10 drugs will be covered by the agreement. However, Eli Lilly has an option to include more oncology products in the future.

Mr Jacques Tapiero, Eli Lilly Senior Vice President and President of its emerging markets division said in a statement that ‘cancer medicines of 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 quality cancer medicines to patients across emerging markets.’

Mr Melt Van Der Spuy, Managing Director for Eli Lilly India said that ‘this strategic partnership marks Lilly India’s entry into branded generics, reaffirming our commitment to reach more Indian patients.’ He believed that the partnership would help Eli Lilly build a larger and more meaningful presence in the Indian cancer drug segment.

Annual drug spending in emerging markets is expected to grow from 12% to 15% from 2012 to 2016, according to IMS Health, and is expected to increase to 28% of global sales by 2015, up from 12% in 2005.

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