Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS): Pharma major Lupin Tuesday entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Germany-based biopharmaceutical firm Merck Serono for expansion of its portfolio initiative in emerging markets.

"This strategic partnership builds on the existing close collaboration between our two companies," said Vinod Dhawan, group president, Asia Pacific, Africa, Middle East and Latin America (AAMLA) for Lupin.

According to the pharma major, the agreement builds on an established working relationship between the two companies which could add up to 20 new products to the current portfolio. The first launches are expected in 2016.

Sales from the emerging market regions are one of the key growth drivers for Merck Serono amounting to close to 1.8 billion euro in 2013.

Lupin said it will develop products, provide dossiers and supply finished products to Merck Serono. Merck Serono will be the marketing authorization holder for the products, and will leverage its strong commercial and medical teams in emerging markets to bring new medicines in its portfolio to customers.