Lupin Sells U.S. Women's Health Business to Evofem, Including SOLOSEC

MUMBAI, India and NAPLES, Fla. and SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2024 -- Global pharmaceutical giant Lupin Limited has announced the sale of its U.S. Commercial Women's Health Specialty Business to Evofem Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company in the U.S. that specializes in women's health. This division of Lupin is primarily responsible for the commercialization of SOLOSEC® (secnidazole), an FDA-approved, single-dose antimicrobial agent used to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis, two prevalent sexual health infections.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lupin could potentially receive up to $84 million, contingent on future milestones. Dr. Fabrice Egros, President of Global Corporate Development at Lupin, expressed satisfaction with the divestiture, stating that it aligns with the company's strategic plan to focus on therapeutic areas such as respiratory and neurological diseases, where they can leverage existing synergies. 

Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem, highlighted how this acquisition fits perfectly with Evofem's mission to enhance access to innovative health solutions for women. She noted that SOLOSEC, a single-dose oral antibiotic, effectively addresses two common sexual health issues. She emphasized that Evofem plans to maximize its commercial infrastructure and strong relationships with healthcare providers to realize the growth potential of SOLOSEC.

Lupin is a transnational pharmaceutical company centered on innovation and headquartered in Mumbai, India. It develops and markets a variety of branded and generic formulations, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in over 100 markets, including the U.S., India, South Africa, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Lupin holds a leadership position in the cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, and respiratory segments, and has a significant presence in the anti-infective, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and women's health areas. It is the third-largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S. by prescriptions, investing 7.8% of its revenue in research and development during the fiscal year 2024.

Lupin operates 15 manufacturing sites and 7 research centers, with a global workforce exceeding 20,000 employees. The company has consistently been recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' in the Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals sector.

Evofem Biosciences is dedicated to creating and commercializing cutting-edge products to meet unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health. The company's first FDA-approved product, Phexxi®, is a hormone-free, on-demand prescription contraceptive vaginal gel. Applied 0-60 minutes before intercourse, it comes in a box with 12 pre-filled applicators. In December 2023, Evofem entered into a Merger Agreement with Aditxt, Inc., aiming for closure of the transaction in the second half of 2024.

SOLOSEC® (secnidazole) 2 g oral granules is the only single-dose oral prescription approved to treat both bacterial vaginosis in females aged 12 and above, and trichomoniasis in individuals aged 12 and older. Since trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection, treating sexual partners simultaneously with the same dose is recommended to prevent reinfection. SOLOSEC® is designed for ease of use, with one oral dose providing a complete course of treatment.

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