Abbott and MSD Announce Strategic Partnership to Distribute Innovative Oral Anti-Diabetic Medicines in India

• The oral anti-diabetic portfolio in this partnership includes Sitagliptin, Sitagliptin/Metformin combination and the extended-release combination of Sitagliptin in India
• Expanding its diabetes footprint, Abbott is committed to providing access to innovative treatments, and driving growth for medicines that address this critical non-communicable disease
• India faces a significant diabetes burden, with an estimated 101 million people affected by the condition in the countryⁱ

MUMBAI, INDIA, 18 June 2025 – Abbott and MSD Pharmaceuticals (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA) are announcing a strategic collaboration through a distribution agreement for MSD’s oral anti-diabetic medicine, Sitagliptin, its combination, Sitagliptin/Metformin, and the extended-release version in India. Under this agreement, Abbott will distribute this portfolio, leveraging its broad in-country footprint to continue to make these medicines available to people in India. MSD’s Sitagliptin, its combination, and extended-release versions are marketed under the brand names Januvia^®, Janumet^® and Janumet^® XR.

Sitagliptin is a DPP4i or Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor, used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It was discovered and developed by MSD Pharmaceuticals and was the first DPP4i to be launched in India in 2008. The brands under this portfolio continue to be among the leaders in the category, even after loss of exclusivity.

In India, at least 60 per cent of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases or NCDsⁱⁱ. Amongst these, the leading causes are diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and cancer. The country has an estimated 101 million people with diabetes, and 136 million people who are pre-diabetic, and are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in the futureⁱⁱⁱ.

“As the largest diversified healthcare company in India, Abbott is uniquely positioned to address some of the most pressing health challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases, which contribute to a considerable burden on the healthcare system,” said Ambati Venu, Vice President for Abbott in India. He further added, “We offer a wide range of solutions to help people manage diabetes more effectively, including testing, continuous glucose monitoring, nutrition and a complete diabetes medicines portfolio. Through our extensive presence, we can help people in India better manage their Type 2 diabetes and take control of their health.”

Rehan A. Khan, Managing Director, MSD India Region stated, “Since its introduction in India over 17 years ago, our sitagliptin portfolio has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients across the country and has earned the trust of both doctors and patients. Our partnership with Abbott establishes a sustainable business model that will enable us to continue to serve patients throughout India with these diabetes treatments.”

About Sitagliptin:
Sitagliptin belongs to a class of prescription medications called DPP4i or Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitors also known as “gliptins” used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes that have been successful in reducing HBA1C levels or average glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes patients^iv. They work by using incretin hormones, which are a group of hormones produced in the gut that play a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and reducing the production of sugar (or glucose) in the liver. Since their introduction, DPP4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have emerged as a pivotal element in diabetes management^v.

About MSD India:
MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, for more than 130 years, have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. MSD aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, is at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases. In India, MSD has a longstanding presence delivering innovative healthcare solutions across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology and vaccines.

For more information, visit us at www.msd.com and www.msd.com/india/, or connect with us on MSD India Instagram, X, LinkedIn/ MSD India LinkedIn and YouTube/ MSD India YouTube.

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. In India, Abbott was established in 1910 and is one of the country's oldest and most admired healthcare companies. With more than 12,000 employees in the country, Abbott is helping to meet the healthcare needs of consumers, patients, and doctors throughout urban and rural India.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and www.abbott.in, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X and YouTube / Abbott India YouTube.

Abbott Media:
Nandini Goswami, nandini.goswami@abbott.com
Mandira Viegas, mandira.viegas@abbott.com

MSD Media:
Shibani Shah, Shibani.shah@merck.com

References:

ⁱAnjana, R, Unnikrishnan R, Deepa M, et al. (2023). Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 11 (7), 474-489.
ⁱⁱNethan S, Sinha D, Mehrotra D (2017). Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors and their Trends in India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 18 (7), 2005–2010.
ⁱⁱⁱAnjana, R, Unnikrishnan R, Deepa M, et al. (2023). Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 11 (7), 474-489.
^ivKarasik A, Aschner P, Katzeff H, Davies MJ, Stein PP (2008). Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes: a review of recent clinical trials. Curr Med Res Opin. 24 (2), 489-496.
^vGadsby, Roger. (2009). Efficacy and Safety of Sitagliptin in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Clinical Medicine: Therapeutics.

Disclaimer:

The information mentioned in this document is only for information and general awareness and shall not be considered as an advertisement or a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott or MSD. Please consult your doctor for more information.