Company Watch

Alkem ties up with Horphag Research

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Alkem Laboratories has signed a contract with Geneva based Horphag Research to source a high value nutraceutical ingredient, Pycnogenol. Hector Bandelier, Director (Sales), Horphag Research said, "Alkem Laboratories has already started using Pycnogenol as an ingredient in their cardiovascular product Maxxio."

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark with the Geneva headquartered Horphag Research and the extract is protected by international and US patents. Pycnogenol is a natural substance extracted from the bark of French maritime pine tree grown exclusively along the south-west coast of France. It is a well established natural antioxidant in Europe and US. "Alkem is also planning to use Pycnogenol in their multi-vitamin product in tablet, capsule and syrup forms," added Bandelier.

Gautam Shah, MD, GC Chemie Pharmie says, "Horphag is looking to expand the use of Pycnogenol in India to nutraceutical companies and even the food industry." He also adds, "Most major transnational and large Indian pharmaceutical companies have realised that the future is for preventive therapy rather than curative therapy."

Pharma companies have an advantage, as in India, the promotion is through doctors, and if pharmaceutical companies have good access to doctors, the promotion of the products becomes easier.

In addition to being a powerful antioxidant and a natural anti-inflammatory, Pycnogenol also lowers blood pressure, helps to seal capillaries and prevents swelling of veins enabling them to relax. As a result, the product can be used in segments such as cardiovascular, sun protection, asthma and allergies.