Zydus acquires derma brand Melgain from Issar Pharma

The brand will be marketed by Liva Healthcare, the group's division catering to dermatological segment

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Ahmedabad-headquartered Zydus Group has acquired Melgain brand from Hyderabad based Issar Pharma for an undisclosed sum that would marketed in India by Liva Healthcare, a speciality division of the Group catering to the dermatological segment.

"Zydus is currently the leader in the skin de-pigmentation segment and the acquisition of Melgain marks its foray into the re-pigmentation segment," the company said in a statement. The dermatology market, valued at Rs 6,000 crore, is currently growing at about 14%.

Speaking on the development, Deputy managing director of Zydus Group, Sharvil P Patel said, "Dermatology has been a core focus segment and we have been working with the medical fraternity to serve patient needs better. I believe that this acquisition will strengthen our portfolio of derma brands and will leverage our equity in this key segment."

Zydus also has an option to launch this product in other global markets where it is not available. Melgain is used for the treatment of Vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by portions of the skin losing their pigment. It occurs when skin pigment cells die or are unable to function. Though the reason for the onset of the condition is not known, the most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease — a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues.

Nearly 15-20 million people in India are estimated to be suffering from this condition. Half of those affected show the disorder before age 20, though most develop it before age 40.