Nicholas Piramal & Pierre Fabre Laboratories sign agreement

Nicholas Piramal India Ltd has announced that in the framework of agreements concluded during the visit of the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, to New Delhi, the Company and Pierre Fabre Laboratories signed an MOU on research in oncology on January 25, 2008.

This agreement formalises the collaboration between the two pharmaceutical laboratories specialising in research on natural substances. It involves bringing together two complementary areas of expertise. The Pierre Fabre Group will provide expertise in screening and research in oncology, while NPIL will make available its natural products base, which will lead to the pharmacological characterisation of new molecules.

Mr. Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Company stated, "This agreement further strengthens our strategic partnership with Pierre Fabre, wherein we market the Company's products for oncology and dermato-cosmetics in India. The research collaboration in oncology is an important milestone in the strong relationship between the two Companies".

This agreement forms a part of the strategy of Pierre Fabre Laboratories to reinforce their presence in India and open new avenues of collaboration in the field of oncology research, which today represents 50% of the R&D investments of the Group.

In India, marketing agreements have previously been signed with NPIL: in 2004, with the market launch of Ducray and, thereafter, in 2006, when Navelbine was launched.