Cipla partners MannKind for marketing, distribution of Afrezza in India

New Delhi: Drug firm Cipla today said it has entered into an exclusive marketing and distribution agreement with US-based MannKind Corporation for inhaled insulin Afrezza in India.

Afrezza is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approved inhaled insulin available for patients suffering from diabetes, Cipla said in a statement.

Cipla MD and Global CEO Umang Vohra said: "Cipla is committed to providing access to innovative medicines and newer drug delivery systems to the patients. Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, is a cutting-edge product which will increase patient convenience."

The innovative drug delivery system will revolutionize the diabetic care in India, he added.

"With this partnership, Cipla will leverage its strength in inhalation and extend it to diabetes therapy," MannKind CEO Michael Castagna said.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cipla will be responsible for obtaining regulatory approvals to distribute Afrezza in India, including approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the statement said.

Cipla will also be responsible for all marketing and sales activities of Afrezza in India. MannKind is responsible for supplying Afrezza to Cipla, it added.

Shares of Cipla today closed at Rs 589.20 per scrip on the BSE, down 0.27 percent from their previous close