Cipla, a global pharmaceutical company, said Thursday the company has signed an agreement with Salix Pharmaceuticals, a US-based speciality pharmaceutical company. Under the agreement, Cipla has granted Salix exclusive rights under certain patent applications in the 'Rifaximin Complexes' patent family controlled by Cipla.

The grant is on a worldwide basis, excluding the countries of Asia (other than Japan) and Africa. Salix  is  required  to make  an  up-front  payment  and,  upon  achievement,  additional  regulatory milestone payments  to Cipla  in  respect of  the new  license  agreement  regarding  the  'Rifaximin Complexes' patent  rights.   Salix also will pay a  royalty on net sales of products covered by  the 'Rifaximin Complexes' patents licensed to Salix, the company said.

Subhanu Saxena, managing director & Global CEO, Cipla said, "As we look to go-live with our own front end presence in North America, we are happy that through this association we can demonstrate to the wider industry that we are open to global partnerships for the development and commercialization of complex products in order to benefit all patients. This deal signifies our ongoing commitment to provide access to innovative treatments to patients worldwide." 

Last year, Cipla announced the expansion of its existing collaboration with MEDA by granting global commercialization rights for a proprietary combination nasal spray product (fluticasone and azelastine), Dymista. 

Shares of the company gained Rs 10.5, or 1.72%, to settle at Rs 620.25. The total volume of shares traded was 193,127 at the BSE (Thursday).