Shasun Pharmaceuticals and Debiopharm Group, a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group have entered into a licensing agreement for the manufacturing and commercialization of Huperzine-A. Huperzine-A is a potent and reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and clinical studies have shown a significant improvement in memory deficit and cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Huperzine-A is commercially available through Shasun Pharmaceuticals.

According to the terms of the agreement, Shasun Pharmaceuticals will be able to use the Debiopharm technology for the manufacture of synthetic Huperzine-A under GMP quality conditions and commercialize it in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.The manufacturing technology involves a 10-stage chemical synthesis process including a complex chiral organometallic step as a key transformation of the Huperzine-A structure. The synthesis is a result of a joint collaboration between Shasun's research centers in Chennai and the UK.

This technology was recently recognized and awarded at the North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), Innovation Awards in 2012. NEPIC is a stand-alone company created to represent the 500+ Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Specialty Chemical, Polymer & Rubber, Petrochemical & Commodity Chemical companies based in the North East of England.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Mauvernay, President and founder of Debiopharm Group said, "We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Shasun Pharmaceuticals .Clinical studies have demonstrated the drug to enable significant improvement in both memory deficit and cognitive performance and we are excited to have the opportunity to add value to this technology while contributing to improve people's quality of life."

Dr Michel Spagnol, President of Shasun Pharmaceuticals added, "We are very proud of this achievement, resulting from a very close collaboration with Debiopharm. It underlines our commitment to delivering cutting-edge science in all our processes through our global research and development network." Huperzine-A is commercially available through Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Debiopharm Group is a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of companies with a focus on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs. The group in-licenses, develops and/or co-develops promising biological and small molecule drug candidates having reached clinical development phases I, II or III, as well as earlier stage candidates. It develops its products for global registration and maximum commercial potential. The products are out-licensed to pharmaceutical partners for sales and marketing. Debiopharm is also active in the field of companion diagnostics with a view to progressing in the area of personalized medicine. Debiopharm independently funds the worldwide development of all of its products while providing expertise in pre-clinical and clinical trials, manufacturing, drug delivery and formulation, and regulatory affairs.