New Delhi:

Zydus group firm Cadila Healthcare Ltd on Monday said it has acquired Melgain lotion used for treatment of skin depigmentation from ISSAR Pharma to strengthen its dermatological portfolio. Melgain will be marketed in India by Liva Healthcare, a specialty division of the group catering to the dermatological segment, Cadila Healthcare said in a filing to BSE. “Zydus also has an option to launch this product in other global markets where it is not available,” it added. The company, however, did not disclose the financial details of the acquisition. Zydus group deputy managing director Sharvil P. Patel said, “Dermatology has been a core focus segment… I believe that this acquisition will strengthen our portfolio of derma brands and will leverage our equity in this key segment.”  Melgain is used for the treatment of vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterised by portions of the skin losing their pigment, Cadila Healthcare said. Though the reason for the onset of the condition is not known, the most widely accepted view is that depigmentation occurs because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, it added. Melgain lotion leads to re-pigmentation in most of the patients, the company said. “With a strong presence in the hyperpigmentation, acne, hair care and anti-fungal segments, the expansion into the re-pigmentation segment gives Zydus an edge in the fast-growing dermatology market which is currently growing at 14% and valued at over ₹ 6,000 crore,” it added.