Ranbaxy to launch biogeneric products in India
Tuesday, 01 October 2002, 19:30 IST   |    3 Comments
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NEW DELHI: Indian pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy Laboratories is planning to launch biogeneric (biotechnology generic) products in the country by the yearend. "We will be sourcing biogeneric products from countries like Cuba, Russia, South Korea, China and from Indian companies for the launch here by November," Brian W. Tempest, president (pharmaceuticals) of Ranbaxy Laboratories said here Monday at a press conference to mark the launch of its new global consumer healthcare business (RGCH) division. As a next step to the launch of biogeneric products in India and later in other markets barring the E.U and the U.S. because of their cumbersome regulations, Ranbaxy plans to focus on research and development of cutting edge biotech products, said Tempest. Ranbaxy already has in-licensing agreements with two Chinese biotech companies for two critical care products - Interferon-alpha2b and G-CSF that reportedly have a global market of over $1 billion. Interferon-alpha2b is used to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, besides patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, while G-CSF is used in the treatment of severe neutropenia following bone marrow transplantation and chemotherapy. The in-licensing agreements allow Ranbaxy to own the trademarks for both products in the Indian market. Ranbaxy's third biogeneric product comes from its agreement with a Korean company for Erythropoietin, with exclusive marketing rights in India. Erythropoietin is used for the treatment of anaemia of renal failure, and anaemia associated with HIV infection and cancer chemotherapy. The Indian pharma major, with a large overseas presence, including manufacturing plants in seven countries, is also looking at launching biogeneric growth hormone products. The company's new RGCH division will begin operations Tuesday with the promotion of four of Ranbaxy's own products that have been moved from the prescription to the over-the-counter (OTC) group. Tempest said these products included Revital as food supplements, Pepfiz or effervescent tablets for stomach relief, Gesdyp for digestive ailment and Garlic Pearls for better health. Starting October 7, a new marketing strategy will see these products being positioned as part of Ranbaxy's new range of OTC products in India, said Atul Mathur, head of RCGH and regional director of pharmaceuticals in the Middle East. A large and growing segment, the OTC market is estimated to be worth about $50 billion globally and $1 billion in India, growing at around six percent annually. Starting with four products initially, the RCGH division will gradually expand its basket of products "by transfer of more prescription products to the OTC segment according to need gap, acquisition and merger route and through strategic alliances," said Mathur. The company adds an average one product every week to its range of 300 products, said Tempest. Ranbaxy's foray into herbal products next year would also include some OTC products, he said.
Source: IANS
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