Natco Pharma has announced that it has signed a nonexclusive, royalty free licensing agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and Bristol-Myers Squibb to manufacture and sell generic versions of Bristol-Myers Squibb's chronic hepatitis C medicine - Daclatasvir Dihydrochloride (Daclatasvir).

Daclatasvir, discovered and developed by Bristol-Myer Squibb, is the first-in-class NS5A inhibitor used in combination with Sofosbuvir for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)genotype 3 infection. Compared to other treatment options, this combination not only increases the cure rate, but is also regarded as a valuable treatment option in some of the difficult-to-treat HCV patient subsets.

Natco will market generic Daclatasvir under its own brand NATDAC, and through its strategic partners in India.

This agreement allows Natco to expand access to these chronic hepatitis C medicines in 112 developing countries. Under the license, Natco can set its own price for the generic products it produces.