Orchid Pharma Limited has entered into a licensing and supply agreement with Laboratorio Libra S.A. for its antibiotic, Exblifep® (Cefepime/Enmetazobactam). The deal grants Libra exclusive rights to register, import, and market Exblifep® across nine Latin American markets. Over the initial 10 years, the partnership is projected to generate a commercial opportunity of approximately USD 80 million.
Orchid Pharma Expands Global Reach for Exblifep®
Orchid Pharma Limited (Orchid) has announced a significant strategic move, signing a licensing and supply agreement with Laboratorio Libra S.A. (Libra) to introduce its novel antibiotic, Exblifep® (Cefepime/Enmetazobactam), into nine Latin American markets. This agreement marks a crucial step in expanding the global footprint of Orchid’s key antibiotic product.
Key Terms of the Agreement
Under the terms of the partnership, Libra will receive exclusive rights to register, import, and market Exblifep® in countries including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Orchid Pharma will be responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the finished dosage form of the product. The agreement covers a period of 10 years, with an estimated commercial opportunity valued at approximately USD 80 million, based on projected market demand.
Exblifep®: A Novel Antibiotic
Exblifep® is a critical antibiotic combination indicated for severe infections such as complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HAP/VAP). It targets serious hospital infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens and is designed as a carbapenem-sparing option. The product has already received approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Strategic Significance for Both Companies
Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director of Orchid Pharma Ltd., stated, “Extending Exblifep into Latin America is a priority for Orchid, and Libra is well placed to lead its introduction across these markets. Together, we aim to give clinicians in the region a new option for treating serious Gram-negative hospital infections.”
Carlos Scherschener, CEO of Laboratorio Libra S.A., added, “We are honoured to partner with Orchid Pharma to bring Exblifep to Latin America, expanding access to an innovative therapeutic option for patients across the region while contributing to the response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.”
About the Companies
Orchid Pharma Limited is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company specializing in complex injectable antibiotics, with end-to-end capabilities from Key Starting Materials to Finished Dosage Forms. It is recognized as the first Indian pharmaceutical company to invent a New Chemical Entity (NCE) approved in both the United States and Europe.
Laboratorio Libra, founded in 1961, is a Latin American pharmaceutical company focused on providing access to innovative treatments in specialized therapeutic areas. It operates across multiple Latin American markets, combining regional regulatory expertise with established capabilities in institutional promotion and distribution.
Sathguru Management Consultants acted as the exclusive advisor to Orchid Pharma on this transaction.
Source: BSE
