Novartis India announced an exclusive sales and distribution agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories for a few of its established medicines which includes the Voveran range, the Calcium range and Methergine.

This brings together the manufacturing and development synergies of Novartis with the sales and distribution strengths of Dr. Reddy’s.

Novartis AG will retain the trademark ownership of these medicines.

This strategic business decision will lead to the separation of approximately 400 employees of Novartis due to role redundancies.

Sanjay Murdeshwar, Country President and Managing Director, Novartis in India, said, “Today, on one hand, keeping the patient interest at the center, we have entered this strategic business arrangement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to extend access to our established medicines to benefit more patients in India efficiently. On the other hand, we understand the implication on the roles of our colleagues in Novartis India and are doing our best to support them.”

About Novartis’ philosophy of collaborating with stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, Sanjay says, “We are committed to working with organizations that resonate with our purpose of improving and extending people’s lives. To that end, we collaborate with entities such as the government, patient organizations, start-ups, industry associations, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies amongst others, who are working towards reducing barriers in the journey of a patient ranging from awareness, diagnosis, access and adherence.”

M.V. Ramana, CEO – Branded Markets (India & Emerging Markets), Dr Reddy’s said: “We are delighted to enter into this arrangement with Novartis India to promote and distribute these well-established brands that are trusted by patients and healthcare professionals. Our India business has been a strong growth driver and remains a key focus market for us. This arrangement will strengthen our portfolio in the pain management and women’s health areas. It is our endeavour to build on the legacy created by NIL over the years and we intend to evaluate capabilities to maintain business continuity. This will help accelerate access and reach more patients in keeping with our purpose of ‘Good Health Can’t Wait’.”