Cipla, Pfizer in talks for supply & production pact

MUMBAI: CIPLA is in talks to make and supply drugs to global pharmaceutical firm Pfizer as the US-based company plans a foray in the generics business space, a person in the know told ET. If the deal materialises, Cipla is expected to make inhalers, drugs for respiratory disorders and anti-infectives for Pfizer. At present, they are in talks for around 18 products, the person said.

The deal is expected to be divided into two parts. The first would be a licensing fee of around $150 million for India’s largest drug maker by sales, and then profit share from sale of those products. The Cipla spokesperson declined to comment. ET NOW, this paper’s television channel, reported the development on Thursday.

Cipla on Friday said its net profit rose 8.9% to Rs 275.5 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net sales of the company increased to Rs 1,317.5 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared with Rs 1,235.2 crore in the same period last fiscal.