India's Advinus Therapeutics, a TATA-promoted life sciences research and development company, has announced a new collaboration with Genzyme and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) to develop therapies to address the danger of emerging drug resistance that current anti-malarial treatments face.

The alliance seeks to develop new, improved treatments for specific patient groups most at risk for malaria, particularly pregnant women and infants.

Mumbai-based drug major Lupin has acquired over 30 per cent stake in Generic Health Pty Ltd.

Generic Health Pty Ltd is leading company in the Australian market. It is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded by managing director, and a pharmaceutical executive, Gavin Upiter in 2004.

Pharmaceutical major Lupin has acquired a minority stake in Melbourne-headquartered Generic Health, for undisclosed amount.

Generic Health, markets a wide range of quality generic prescriptions and OTC products. The company has recently acquired Bellwether Pharma and has entered into a strategic alliance with Actavis.

Australia is one of the leading global markets with sales of over Australian $10 billion (including branded generics and OTC), and witnessing a rapid genericisation.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited, one of the country’s leading pharmaceutical companies has received the tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to manufacture and market Losartan Potassium tablets in multiple strengths.

Losartan Potassium tablets are generic equivalent of Merck Research Laboratories’ Cozaar in dosage of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. The drug is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure.

The sales of Losartan tablets were $1, 235 million for the year ended December 2007, according to an official statement.

Mumbai-based Unichem Laboratories has finally received nod from US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for Hydrochlorothiazide tablets in the strengths of 25 mg and 50 mg.