Orchid Pharma licenses Exblifep to Laboratorio Libra across nine Latin American markets

Orchid Pharma Limited signed a licensing and supply agreement with Laboratorio Libra S.A. to expand its antibiotic Exblifep into nine Latin American markets, targeting a potential commercial opportunity of approximately $80 million over the first 10 years. ScanX reported the deal on October 24, 2026.

What the Libra Agreement Covers

The agreement grants Laboratorio Libra exclusive rights to register, import and market Exblifep in Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay. Orchid Pharma will manufacture and supply the finished dosage form. Commercialization in each country remains subject to approval by the relevant national regulatory authority.

Exblifep, also known as cefepime/enmetazobactam, is a carbapenem-sparing option designed to treat serious hospital infections caused by ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria. It is indicated for complicated urinary tract infections and hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia. The drug holds approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, and is the first new chemical entity invented by an Indian pharmaceutical company to secure approvals from both agencies.

Manish Dhanuka, Managing Director of Orchid Pharma, said extending Exblifep into Latin America is a priority for the company. Carlos Scherschener, CEO of Laboratorio Libra, said the partnership aims to expand access to innovative therapeutic options while addressing antimicrobial resistance. Libra was founded in Uruguay in 1961 and operates through offices and commercial networks across multiple Latin American markets. Sathguru Management Consultants acted as the exclusive advisor to Orchid Pharma on the transaction.

Orchid Pharma's Ownership and Scale

Orchid Pharma is a vertically integrated Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1992, according to akta.pro company records. Dhanuka Laboratories Limited acquired control of the company in March 2020 as the resolution applicant under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process, completing an effective change of ownership from prior promoters. The same records list Manish Dhanuka as Managing Director and Ram Gopal Agarwal as Chairman.

Earlier Orchid Pharma Moves

Orchid Pharma's board approved an enabling resolution on October 20, 2026, to raise up to Rs 600 crore via equity or convertible debentures, Financial Express reported. The company may use various routes, including public or private placements, but did not disclose a preferred method or use of funds.

In September 2026, Orchid Pharma purchased land in Patibulum Village, Kancheepuram, ending its lease with DBS Bank India Limited, ScanX reported. The acquisition gives the company permanent ownership and resolves the prior lease arrangement.

Orchid Pharma also scheduled an investor roadshow in Mumbai from September 28 to 30, 2026, with Whole Time Director Mridul Dhanuka leading physical group meets, ScanX reported.