At a Glance
- Companies: Lupin Limited; Spektus Pharma
- Location: Mumbai, India (Lupin); Montreal/Laval, Quebec, Canada (Spektus)
- Main headline: Licence and supply agreement (financial terms undisclosed)
- Focus area: CNS novel antidepressant DeslaFlex™ for major depressive disorder
- Next steps: Regulatory registration; commercial launch via Lupin’s Canadian network
What happened?
Lupin Limited signed a licence and supply agreement with Montreal‑based Spektus Pharma on 16 February 2026 to commercialise DeslaFlex™, an innovative antidepressant formulation. Under the deal, Lupin will supply the product, while Spektus holds rights to register and market it in Canada, leveraging Lupin’s established commercial footprint.
Why does it matter?
Major depressive disorder affects millions in Canada, yet treatment adherence remains poor due to inflexible dosing and side effects; DeslaFlex™ uses Spektus’s proprietary Flexitab™ oral drug‑delivery platform to offer enhanced dosing flexibility and patient compliance. The partnership bolsters Lupin’s CNS portfolio with a physician‑endorsed, value‑added therapy in a supportive regulatory environment, creating a platform for future launches.
Who’s behind it?
Lupin, an India‑headquartered global pharma leader with a strong Canadian presence, partners with growth‑stage Spektus Pharma, which specialises in CNS therapies using platforms like Flexitab™ and AmyloFlex™ for depression, pain and ADHD. Spektus developed DeslaFlex™ to unlock clinical advantages for established molecules.
How was it achieved?
Spektus engineered DeslaFlex™ via its Flexitab™ technology, which optimises established antidepressants for better patient outcomes; Lupin provides supply and market access through its Canadian infrastructure. The collaboration combines formulation innovation with commercial scale to address unmet needs in depression management.
What’s next?
Spektus will pursue regulatory approval in Canada, followed by commercialisation led by Lupin’s sales network; the deal sets up potential follow‑on products from Spektus’s pipeline.
What are people saying?
Lupin Global Specialty President Claus Jepsen: “The addition of DeslaFlex™… provides… much‑needed flexibility in the management of Major Depressive Disorder.” Spektus CEO Zarvaan Merchant: “Lupin’s… strength in Canada make it an ideal partner to realise the full value of DeslaFlex™.”