Case Studies: Cipher - Developer
Facilitating
Strategic Partnerships
for Market Expansion
Introduction
Cipher Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company from Canada, sought to extend the reach of its dermatology and pain management products into Latin America. Two distinct projects were undertaken: one focusing on the commercialization of a novel isotretinoin formulation in Brazil and the other on an extended-release tramadol product across multiple Latin American markets, including Brazil and Mexico.
To achieve this, Cipher Pharmaceuticals needed trusted partners with strong local market knowledge and distribution capabilities. Through Trifermed’s structured approach to strategic partnerships, successful collaborations were established with two pharmaceutical companies: Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company from India with a strong presence in dermatology, and Tecnofarma International Ltd., a well-established pharmaceutical firm from Uruguay with extensive experience in pain management solutions across Latin America. The partnership with Ranbaxy allowed Cipher Pharmaceuticals to launch its isotretinoin product in Brazil, while the collaboration with Tecnofarma enabled the commercialization of CIP-TRAMADOL ER in multiple Latin American markets.
Background
Recognizing Latin America's growing demand for effective treatments, Cipher Pharmaceuticals sought partners that could maximize market penetration through established commercial infrastructures.
The primary objectives were:
Securing a partnership for the dermatology product in Brazil with a company experienced in dermatology distribution.
Establishing a partnership for the pain management product with a company capable of handling multi-country distribution in Latin America.
Creating structured collaboration frameworks to optimize market entry for both products.
Trifermed was engaged to facilitate these strategic partnerships, leveraging its extensive network, expertise in business development, and deep understanding of market dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry.
Services Provided
Strategy discussion and project scope definition
Partner Identification & Evaluation
Deal Structuring & Negotiation Support
Outcomes & Future Development
As a result of Trifermed’s facilitation, Cipher Pharmaceuticals secured strategic partnerships for both its dermatology and pain management products with well-established pharmaceutical firms. These agreements enabled:
Market Expansion: Entry into Brazil for the dermatology product and multiple Latin American markets, including Brazil and Mexico, for the pain management product.
Strategic Alignment: A clear partnership structure ensuring shared objectives and long-term success.
Operational Readiness: A well-defined collaboration framework to support the products’ market entry and distribution.
With solid commercial partners in place and defined roadmaps for market entry, Cipher Pharmaceuticals is well-positioned to drive growth in Latin America’s pharmaceutical sector while continuing to explore further expansion opportunities in the region.