Lupin, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in India and Boehringer Ingelheim today announced a joint strategic alliance for co-marketing linagliptin, a drug used to cure diabetes, in India. The drug is a novel Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

Headquartered in Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the fastest growing multinational pharmaceutical company in India and has a strong presence in the DPP-4 inhibitors in Indian markets.

The company said, "According to the agreement, Lupin will market and sell linagliptin under a separate brand name Ondero and Ondero Met which will be promoted by Lupin’s 400 strong dedicated diabetes specialty field force."

"However, the German company will continue to sell its linagliptin under the brand names Trajenta and TrajentaDuo through their existing sales force and network," it added.

Announcing the launch, Shakti Chakraborty, group president, India Region Formulations, Lupin said, "I believe our entry into the high growth DPP-4 inhibitor market with the launch of Ondero and Ondero Met will not only strengthen our Diabetes portfolio but also help us consolidate our position as a market leader and the fastest growing player in the top 5 in the anti-diabetes segment."

According to IMS MAT August 2015, the Indian diabetes market is valued at Rs 76.55 billion, growing at 19.57% and the total DPP-4 inhibitors market is valued at Rs 14.99 billion, growing at 26.55%.

Shares of the company gained Rs 26.7, or 1.32%, to trade at Rs 2,050. The total volume of shares traded was 717,087 at the BSE (11.32 a.m., Wednesday).