Drug firm Strides Arcolab today said it has inked a pact with US-based Gilead Sciences Inc to sell low-cost generic versions of latter’s HIV medicine ‘emtricitabine’ in developing countries.

According to the pact, the Indian firm would also promote fixed-dose combinations of emtricitabine, co-formulated with other Gilead HIV medicines.

In a statement, Strides Arcolab said it has “entered into an in-licensing agreement to collaborate with Gilead Sciences Inc to promote access to high-quality, low-cost generic versions of Gilead’s HIV medicine emtricitabine (FTC) in developing countries”.

Under the new agreement, Gilead will provide technology transfer for the manufacture of emtricitabine, together with investment assistance for process improvements to reduce overall manufacturing costs, it added.

The World Health Organisation guidelines recommend emtricitabine along with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) as preferred components of first and second line of HIV therapy.

Commenting on the pact, Strides Arcolab Managing Director Arun Kumar said: “We are pleased to associate with Gilead on this initiative that will provide access of high quality essential anti-retrovirals in the developing markets“.

This partnership will re-enforce our commitment to provide affordable drugs in the field of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to the low and middle income countries, he added.

Gilead markets emtricitabine under the brand name Emtriva. Fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is sold under the brand name of Truvada.

Shares of Strides Arcolab were trading at Rs 755 on the BSE in late afternoon trade, up 1.25 per cent from its previous close.

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