Lupin Enters Into Marketing Alliance with ASCEND Therapeutics for SUPRAX 400 mg Tablets in USA

Lupin Ltd. (Lupin) on June 23, 2008 announced that the Company has entered into a promotion agreement for Supraxâ„¢ 400 mg Tablets with ASCEND Therapeutics, Inc. Under the terms of the alliance, ASCEND Therapeutics will initiate promotion of the product in the U.S.in the month of June 2008.ASCEND has a 50-person Women's Health sales force which will detail the product primarily to Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs). Lupin will continue to promote the product to Pediatricians and Family Practitioners.The antibiotic market for treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is USD 450 million, and the OB/GYN area is among the top three physician specialties prescribing antibiotics for treatment of UTIs.Dr. Kamal Sharma, Managing Director, Lupin, said "We are pleased to enter into this strategic alliance with ASCEND. We believe ASCEND's existing equity with the OB/GYN specialty will help Lupin to fully explore and leverage an additional opportunity for promoting Supraxâ„¢ 400 mg Tablets. This alliance reflects our commitment to extend Suprax franchise and enhance the value of brand business in the U.S."There are over 8 million patients who suffer from UTIs each year, with the vast majority of women. Suprax 400 mg Tablets is an established antibiotic with a favorable safety profile and proven track record in effectively treating UTIs and other bacterial infections.