Abbott signs licensing, supply deal with Zydus Cadila

US-based drug maker Abbott has signed a licensing and supply agreement with Zydus Cadila for 24 products to be sold in 15 emerging markets. The collaboration includes medicines for pain, cancer and cardiovascular, neurological and respiratory diseases. The partnership will leverage Abbott's powerful emerging markets infrastructure to commercialize the Zydus products, with product launches beginning in early 2012.

Under the agreement, Abbott will gain rights to at least 24 Zydus products in 15 key emerging markets where Abbott has a strong and growing presence. The agreement also includes an option for the addition of more than 40 Zydus products to the collaboration.