Wockhardt signs in-licensing pact with Crawford Healthcare of UK

22 January 2007

Indian pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt Limited has signed an in-licensing agreement with Crawford Healthcare of UK to market Viticolor, a skin camouflage gel for topical application for vitiligo patients.

Crawford Healthcare speciality pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatological healthcare products.

Vitiligo, popularly called leucoderma, is a skin disorder that affects three to four per cent of the Indian population.

The licensing deal follows the launch of Vitix, a patented product from LSI of UK, for the treatment of vitiligo in the Indian market this week.

"Viticolor will complement Vitix and further strengthen our Indian dermatology portfolio," Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala said. "We bring to India new products that have proved their effectiveness in Europe and USA."

Viticolor's effect is expected to last for almost a week compared to the currently available camouflages imported into India, which lasts for less than 24 hours. It is safe for long-term use and claims to improve quality of life index. It is already marketed in Europe, North America, Africa and South East Asia.