Cipla Signs Marketing, Distribution Deal With MannKind For Diabetes Inhaler Afrezza
Cipla enters into an agreement with MannKind Corporation to market inhaled insulin, Afrezza for diabetes patients.
Drug maker Cipla Ltd. has entered into an exclusive marketing and distribution agreement with U.S.-based MannKind Corporation for inhaled insulin drug Afrezza in India.
Afrezza is the only United States Food and Drug Administration approved inhaled insulin available for patients suffering from diabetes, Cipla said in a statement yesterday.
“Cipla is committed to providing access to innovative medicines and newer drug delivery systems to the patients. Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, is a cutting-edge product which will increase patient convenience,” said Umang Vohra, managing director of the Mumbai-based drug maker. The innovative drug delivery system will revolutionise diabetic care in India, he added.
“With this partnership, Cipla will leverage its strength in inhalation and extend it to diabetes therapy,” MannKind chief executive officer Michael Castagna said.
Cipla will be responsible for obtaining regulatory approvals to distribute Afrezza in India, including approval from the Drug Controller General of India, the statement said. Cipla will also be responsible for all marketing and sales activities of Afrezza in India, while MannKind will be supplying the drug to Cipla, it added.