Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Astral Pharmaceutical Industries Announce Collaboration for Developing and Manufacturing Injecta

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company, and Astral Pharmaceutical Industries, a global pharmaceutical manufacturing company located in India, today announced an agreement in which Astral will develop, manufacture and supply injectable products for which Sagent will obtain U.S. regulatory approval and market in the United States.

"Sagent is committed to establishing strategic partnerships that provide the most diverse and extensive pipeline for our hospital-focused customers," said Jeffrey M. Yordon, CEO, founder and chairman of the board of Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Dr. Patel and Astral, a leading, worldwide manufacturer of much needed antibiotic injectable products. This partnership in a key therapeutic category strongly positions Sagent in our target markets."

"Astral is rapidly establishing a global footprint," said Dushyant R. Patel, CEO, Astral Pharmaceutical Industries. "Collaborating with a partner of Sagent's caliber in the United States is a fantastic opportunity for Astral to quickly expand our science, quality and manufacturing expertise in injectable anti-infectives to the U.S. market."

About Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2006, is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, sourcing and marketing pharmaceutical products, with a specific focus on injectable products. Sagent has created a unique, global network of resources, comprised of rapid development capabilities, sophisticated manufacturing and innovative drug-delivery technologies, quickly yielding an extensive portfolio of pharmaceutical products that fulfills the evolving needs of patients. Sagent currently has more than 200 products in development.

For more information about Sagent, please visit http://www.sagentpharma.com.

About Astral Pharmaceutical Industries

Astral Pharmaceutical Industries, located in Vadodara, India, is an exclusive state-of-the-art manufacturing company specializing in sterile antibiotic powder injectables. Founded in 1991, Astral was the first Indian company to develop indigenous technology to manufacture sterile amoxicillin sodium and has subsequently integrated into production of sterile antibiotic powder formulations. Astral has independent and dedicated facilities to manufacture injectable formulations for cephalosporin and penicillin products.

For more information about Astral, please visit http://www.astralpharma.com.

SOURCE Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc.