Mumbai-based pharma major Lupin has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire all rights to two inhalation medicines, Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) Inhalation Solution and Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) Inhalation Aerosol, from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Sunovion) for a purchase price of $75 million.

Lupin expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings in the first year. The acquisition of these two brands expands Lupin's portfolio of inhalation products in the US and strengthens the company’s presence in the respiratory therapy area while continuing to provide patients access to these important medicines.

Brovana is indicated for long-term maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Xopenex HFA is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA) indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults, adolescents, and children 4 years of age or older with reversible obstructive airway disease.

Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin said “We remain focused on strengthening our respiratory franchise in the US. We have established a strong position in the respiratory segment with our Albuterol MDI and Brovana authorized generic launch. The addition of these two brands enhances our position in the segment.”