Ranbaxy to develop anti-infective drugs for Merck

LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - India's Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd (RANB.BO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has signed a deal to develop new anti-infective drugs for U.S.-based Merck & Co Inc (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), underlining the growing use of Indian research by multinational companies.

Ranbaxy will carry out drug discovery and clinical development through Phase IIa clinical trials, with Merck responsible for later development and commercialisation, the companies said in a statement on Monday. (Reporting by Ben Hirschler)