Cipla Therapeutics, an Indian pharma company, and SIGA Technologies have entered into a partnership to provide sustained innovation and access to novel antibacterial drugs, especially against biothreats.

SIGA Technologies is a US-based commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, whose lead product is TPOXX. Also called tecovirimat and ST-246, TPOXX is an orally administered and intravenous (IV) formulation antiviral drug for the treatment of smallpox disease caused by variola virus in humans.

Garrett Ingram – CEO of Cipla Therapeutics said: “The strategic collaboration between Cipla and SIGA will provide the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) department, with solutions for its biothreat and public health needs.

“Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a global priority for Cipla and our continued investment in this area along with SIGA’s drug development and US experience creates a unique and strong partnership.”

SIGA Technologies is said to have bagged and managed various contracts given by the US government for providing for the development and procurement of up to nearly $1 billion for the supply and re-supply of TPOXX in the Strategic National Stockpile. Additionally, the pharma company provides expertise in developing and enhancing US-based supply chains to facilitate robust delivery of medical countermeasures to the US.

Phil Gomez – CEO of SIGA Technologies said: “We are thrilled to have teamed up with Cipla to tackle the very important public health challenge of AMR.

“Our longtime partner BARDA has recognized this as a critical issue, for not only public health, but biothreats as well. With our drug development expertise under the animal rule and government contracting expertise, and Cipla’s novel antibiotic products and extensive manufacturing capabilities, we are confident that together we are ideally-suited to provide innovative solutions to BARDA and other government customers.”

Cipla Therapeutics owns and markets the antibiotic ZEMDRI (Plazomicin) injection in the US. The company said the partnership with SIGA Technologies gives scope for BARDA and other US government agencies to advance preparation and health security program initiatives with ZEMDRI, while working via a known partner in SIGA Technologies.

  anti-microbial resistance, antibacterial drugs, Bacteria, BARDA, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Cipla Therapeutics, Garrett Ingram, India, Phil Gomez, Plazomicin, Siga Technologies, Smallpox, ST-246, Tecovirimat, TPOXX, USA, ZEMDRI