AKRIKHIN and MSD are expanding their partnership within the scope of MSD product manufacturing localization strategy in Russia. In 2012, the partners have signed an agreement on the production of 6 key MSD brands in various pharmaceutical forms and dosages at AKRIKHIN manufacturing site. Now, as the second wave of the contract, AKRIKHIN starts to manufacture 5 additional MSD brands important for local healthcare system.
AKRIKHIN manufacturing site will be dedicated to the release of MSD drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus (sitagliptin, JANUVIA®: sitagliptin + metformin, JANUMET®), bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis (montelukast, SINGULAIR®), invasive mycoses (posaconazole, NOXAFIL®) as well as to hypolipidemic drug (ezetimibe, EZETROL®). Several product dosages and different pharmaceutical forms (tablets and suspension) will be manufactured.
Secondary packaging for these products will start in Q1 2014. The products in tableted form will be further transferred up to the complete manufacturing cycle. MSD still reserves the rights on promotion and sale of the products to be localized.
The decision to expand the partnership is attributed to MSD and AKRIKHIN determination to provide the Russian patients more effectively and timely with products they are demanding. The successive implementation of the first stage of cooperation has confirmed this collaboration to be effective. Thus, AKRIKHIN has released the first MSD products in its own manufacturing sites ahead of the initially approved schedule for localization project. At present, AKRIKHIN produces six dosages of MSD medicinal products that are authorized and delivered to the Russian domestic market. The remaining products are at the registration stage. An effective partnership enabled the companies to reach a steady production volume and to make plans to increase it.
AKRIKHIN has over 20 years of experience in licensed, cooperation and contract manufacturing on the basis of partnership projects with foreign pharmaceutical companies. The company uses its accumulated potential to fulfill the project for MSD. This potential comprises both the personnel competent in contract manufacturing and state-of-art facilities, which are updated within the scope of company’s own investment program. AKRIKHIN manufactures MSD medicines according to the international specifications and regulations from its international partner. This collaboration gives the Russian party an opportunity of using the recognized MSD experience: by adopting the higher quality standards, by developing the laboratory resources, and for company’s specialists – by getting the additional knowledge and the experience with operating the new equipment types. AKRIKHIN position as one of the market leaders in contract manufacturing was strengthened by cooperation with Polpharma group; the collaboration includes technology transfer between companies and implementing the European quality standards required for pharmaceutical business.
In turn, by expanding the partnership and collaboration package with AKRIKHIN, MSD further strengthens its plans to contribute to the Russian healthcare development by providing the company’s products to the Russian patients in a timely manner. Moreover, the partnership will contribute to Russia’s Pharma 2020 strategy and bring innovative product technology and EU GMP standards.
Within the scope of the contract on the second wave, the partners reserve the right of changing the list of products to be manufactured including the right to add new products.
About AKRIKHIN
AKRIKHIN is one of the leading Russian pharmaceutical companies manufacturing high-quality medicines and one of the top 10 (by sales volume) local pharmaceutical manufacturers on the Russian drug market.
AKRIKHIN was founded in 1936. Company’s product portfolio includes over 180 products belonging to main pharmacotherapeutic groups: cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, urology, ophthalmology, etc. AKRIKHIN produces a wide range of drugs of public importance. It is one of the leading Russian manufacturers of medicines included into the national List of essential medicines, of medicines to treat tuberculosis and diabetes.
AKRIKHIN manufacturing complex is located 20 km outside Moscow. It includes workshops manufacturing virtually all dosage forms: tablets, capsules, liniments, ointments, creams, syrups, gels and suppositories – the total annual output exceeding 50 million packages. In 2010–2016 the company implements an investment program aimed at updating and reconstructing the manufacturing facilities and to put all these into line with GMP requirements. AKRIKHIN pays special attention to quality assurance system which enables the company to produce high-quality and safe products.
About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Contacts for mass-media
AKRIKHIN:
Julia Zaika, PR Manager
Tel: +7 (495) 721-36-97
Cell: +7 (916) 839-95-71
E-mail: j.zaika@akrikhin.ru
MSD:
Dr. Yoav Shechter, External Affairs Director
Tel: +7 (495) 916-71-00
E-mail: yoav_shechter@merck.com