Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma Limited has signed a licensing and supplying deal with US-based Mylan Inc. for its glatiramer acetate pre-filled syringes, a generic version of Teva's CopaxoneR, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

The agreement would grant Mylan’s exclusive distribution rights to Natco Pharma in the US and all major markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada. The deal also includes an option to expand its reach into additional territories.

NATCO already has commercialized its glatiramer acetate product in India and Ukraine.

However, the financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Teva had launched Copaxone in pre-filled injections in the US in 2002 and subsequently in Europe and other markets in 2004. The drug had worldwide sales of $1.7 billion in 2007, making up about 18 percent of Teva's $9.4 billion in revenue last year.

Mylan Inc., having presence in more than 90 countries is one of the leading generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies globally.