OREANDA-NEWS. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, CJSC “R-Pharm” and its affiliate company, CJSC “ORTAT” are pleased to announce about conclusion of partnership agreements to localize non-ionic contrast media products currently being manufactured outside the territory of the Russian Federation. On September 9, 2013, the Russian Ministry of Health approved ORTAT to perform secondary packaging function for the partner in its GMP-compliant packaging facility in Kostroma, thereby providing its support for the project.

“Through this collaboration with R-Pharm, Mallinckrodt looks forward to increasing our ongoing commitment to growing the diagnostic imaging segment in the Russian Federation,” said Stephen Merrick, President, International Commercial Operations at Mallinckrodt. Non-ionic contrast media agents to be offered by ORTAT are used for computed tomography, magnetic resonance or cardiovascular procedures.

By early 2014, local Mallinckrodt products will reach the market and will be the first in class locally produced non-ionic contrast media agents in the territory of Russian Federation.

“We are glad about the opportunity to bring locally produced non-ionic contrast media to the Russian market and look forward to the long-term partnership of our companies that will expand the affordable innovative methods of treatment to Russian patients” said Vasily G. Ignatiev, CEO at R-Pharm.

As the next step in the project, Partners intend to start transitioning to “Fill and Finish” manufacturing activities early next year.

At the moment, R-Pharm is already a fully active authorized distributor of Mallinckrodt in the Russian Federation and will continue to supply non-ionic contrast media locally to new and existing customers.

The joint localization efforts are expected to make a positive impact in ensuring better access to contrast media products for hospitals and end-users, and extensively demonstrate the commitment of the Companies to comply with the implementation of Federal Special-purpose Program Development of pharmaceutical and medicine industry in the Russian Federation.