GlaxoSmithKline is reportedly getting cozy with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.
GSK is in talks to buy a 5 percent stake in the Indian drug maker, the Economic Times reported, citing unnamed sources. The news sent Dr. Reddy's shares higher in India.
Officials with the companies declined to comment.
GSK in June announced a partnership with Dr. Reddy's to sell the company's medicines outside India.
Analysts said further ties would help GSK as it looks to expand in emerging markets.
The British drug maker, which has its North American headquarters in Research Triangle Park, is trying to offset slowing U.S. sales by boosting revenue in other parts of the world.
CEO Andrew Witty has said he wants to partner with other, smaller drug companies to bolster GSK's pipeline of existing and promising treatments. GSK makes and markets a migraine drug with Pozen, a Chapel Hill company.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or