AKRIKHIN, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Russia has signed an agreement on manufacturing and packaging with MSD in Russia. Under the terms of the agreement AKRIKHIN, using its manufacturing sites in Moscow, will produce six key MSD products, accounting for different dosages and formulations, for the Russian market.
The MSD products to be manufactured at AKRIKHIN facilities are used for treating cardiovascular, dermatologic and allergenic diseases, as well as for anesthesia applications. The products encompass solid and liquid forms, creams, ointments and nasal sprays. The agreement between the companies includes the transfer of technological processes to AKRIKHIN manufacturing facilities forlocal manufacturing. Initially, AKRIKHIN will engage in secondary packaging of MSD products, which they expect to produce by the end of 2012. In the future the company plans to transfer production of tableted forms to full cycle mode. MSD will continue to be responsible for sales of its products in the Russian market.
MSD interest for its partnership with Akrikhin due to the presence of AKRIKHIN production areas and warehousing facilities, infrastructural capacities and laboratory base as well as compliance of in-house processes with GMP/GDP requirements. Also AKRIKHIN’s commitment to make ongoing investments in modernizing its production capabilities, which will be fully implemented by 2016, will ensure that all stages of manufacturing of MSD products will be completed in accordance with international Good Manufacturing Practices specifications and standards.
Jan Slob, President of AKRIKHIN, said: “Contracted manufacturing is one of the most important directions for AKRIKHIN's business. Our partnership with the leading international healthcare company – MSD – testifies to the high level of AKRIKHIN’s production capacities and well developed quality management system. Besides, it is a good opportunity for our company to obtain new knowledge and experience and to master the innovative technologies.”
Steffen Brygger Lund, Vice President and Managing Director of MSD in Russia said: "We are excited to work with Akrikhin to produce MSD medicines in areas of unmet medical need such as blood pressure and cholesterol treatment. This agreement symbolizes MSD's commitment to the health objectives of the Russian government, and particularly to its aspirations to create a globally competitive local industry. This new agreement with Akrikhin, in addition to other partnerships we have created in research, development and health education, demonstrates our commitment to patients and the healthcare community across the Russian Federation."
The agreement foresees an opportunity for extension of partnership by way of inclusion of new drugs to the framework of cooperation.
ABOUT AKRIKHIN:
AKRIKHIN is one of the leading Russian pharmaceutical companies manufacturing high quality medicinal products, and one of the TOP 5 largest local pharmaceutical manufacturers in sales volume on the Russian pharmaceutical market.
AKRIKHIN was established in 1936. The product portfolio of the company includes over 150 medicines of the main pharmaceutical and therapeutic lines: cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, etc.
AKRIKHIN produces a wide range of socially significant medicines, being one of the largest Russian manufacturers of the products included in the List of Essential Medicines, and medicines against tuberculosis and diabetes.
Since 2007 Polpharma has been a strategic partner of AKRIKHIN on the Russian pharmaceutical market. Strategic partnership is based on close cooperation of the companies in the field of R&D, production and promotion of medicinal products. In 2011 Polpharma strengthened and extended the partnership by purchasing a majority stake in AKRIKHIN.
Based on the 2011 results AKRIKHIN ranked 2nd in “Rating of influence of Russian pharmaceutical market participants” (according to Pharmexpert data).
About msd:
MSD, known as Merck & Co in the United States and Canada, is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, MSD works with customers and operates in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. MSD also demonstrates its commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com.
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:
Maria Alexandrova, Corporate Communications Lead
Tel: +7 (495) 916-71-00
Cell: +7 (985) 364-02-06
E-mail: maria.alexandrova@merck.com