Sun to Market Merck Diabetes Drugs in India

Sun Pharma has entered into a deal to market Merck's diabetes drugs in India.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has reached a partnership deal with Merck, according to a statement released on Monday. As part of the strategic partnership between the two companies, Sun will market Januvia and Janumet under different brand names in India. The deal comes two weeks after the companies announced their plans to team up in a joint venture.

Diabetes drugs are expected to grow fast in the developing world, as fast-growing countries experience some of the pitfalls of economic growth. As India, for instance, has developed a stronger middle class, the incidence of chronic diseases common in the U.S. and Europe has grown, diabetes included.

Merck's managing director in India, K.G. Ananthakrishnan, said that increasing access to the company's diabetes drugs "