Torrent Pharmaceuticals has signed a supply and licensing agreement with the UK based drug maker AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca, a $32.8-billion enterprise, is the second biggest drug maker in the UK and seventh-largest pharmaceutical company in the world.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd, a unit of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, said late on Thursday it has launched the generic version of anti-cancer drug oxaliplatin in injection form in the US.

AstraZeneca is boosting its presence in emerging markets through its first branded generics supply deal, with India's Torrent Pharmaceuticals, mirroring similar tie-ups by other Big Pharma groups.

Its breast cancer drug, Albupax, will have to clear quality tests at government labs before it can re-enter the market.