'Our aim is to be amongst the top 40 players'

Kolkata based Albert David, a part of the G D Kothari Group of Companies has taken up a series of initiatives including venturing into new therapeutic areas. Kamal Prasad Mundhra, Executive Director speaks about their initiatives.

How is Albert David positioned now in the new patent regime? Tell us about the main products being produced by the company.

With the advent of the new patent regime Albert David's broad-based strategy will be developed on the principal of consolidation and growth. The growth strategy of the company will be coming from the launch of new products in the areas of gastroenterological, opthalmalogical, dermatological, neutraceuticals and herbals. These broad therapeutic areas are of interest to us and would also be a guideline for developing our strategies.

We will also explore the possibilities for export of our IV Fluids, small volume parenterals and disposable syringes in addition to our existing range. We will concentrate on product line extension for our flagship brand Placentrex by bringing in newer formulations and looking for a new therapeutic area of usage.

Placentrex which is available as an injection, gel and lotion is the only product of its kind in the Indian market and is indicated in a variety of therapeutic conditions. The unique manufacturing process of Placentrex has been patented by us. The ongoing clinical research of Placentrex is very encouraging and would open up newer areas of usage and growth. Our amino acid range under the brand name of Alamin contains pure crystalline amino acid of high international standards manufactured under a unique technology, which conforms to WHO AND FAO recommendations.

Our new launch of Actible (Ursodeoxycholic acid) which is indicated for Cholestatic liver disease has been successfully launched and is also poised for good growth. We are in the herbal segments with our brands like Adliv, which is a hepato protective and Siotone capsules which is the only adaptogen indicated for stress. Our future expansion in the herbal product range will be focused in the area of women's healthcare. We are the sole manufacturer in India of Sodium Stibo Gluconate for the treatment of Kalaazar.

It is learnt that Albert David has taken up a massive programme to upgrade its manufacturing facilities. Can you elaborate on this?

We are upgrading our manufacturing facilities in Kolkata which will conform to international regulatory requirements from FDA and other regulatory bodies. We have already enhanced our IV Fluids (FFS) capacity by 250 million bottles annually at our Ghaziabad unit. The new small volume parenteral unit will be started by next year. Apart from regular parenteral range this will also cater to the opthalmological segments with FFS (form fill seal) technology.

What kind of turnover the company has achieved in the last fiscal? What is the target for the current fiscal?

Our company has achieved a gross turnover of Rs 116.8 crore in the last fiscal. The target for the current fiscal is Rs 150 crore.

Which are the new therapeutic areas the company is planning to foray into in the coming years?

Albert David is planning to enter newer therapeutic areas like dermatological and opthalmological segments. Furthermore, it will also strengthen its presence in the gastrointestinal segments and in the areas of pain management. The company is also planning to launch newer products in the areas of nutritional, gynaecological and herbal medicine.

Tell us about the R & D activities of the company.

Our R&D activities are focused towards development of newer formulations, dosage form and delivery systems. Innovative packaging providing convenience for the patients and is also a primary area of developmental activities for our products.

How do you plan to strengthen your sales and marketing efforts?

In this dynamic era of patents regime, the brand building exercise would be the corner stone of all strategies undertaken by the company. Brand building in this era of little product differentiation can be only achieved with highly dynamic sales and marketing team. It is our endeavour to continuously upgrade the knowledge and skill of our sales people with continuos training and developmental programmes. We have also strengthened our marketing team at our HO to adequately service the entire sales force.

What are the future plans of the company?

Our further plans will be undertaken to strengthen the image of Albert David in the area of neutracuetical, parenterals and ayurvedic sectors. We have a vision to be amongst the top 40 players in the pharmaceutical industry by the year 2010. Our plans are in place with regard to manpower expansion in phases and successive launch of newer molecules to sustain growth.

What are your views on the Indian Pharma Congress to be held in Mumbai this year? How does it help pharmaceutical manufacturing companies?

The Indian Pharmaceutical Congress to be held in Mumbai this year ensures participation from all segments of the pharmaceutical industry.

It is a good opportunity for the entire pharmaceutical fraternity to interact with each other to discuss matters of mutual interest like technology, research possibilities and new drug delivery system. It is also an opportunity for the industry to interact with key service providers like machine manufacturers, packaging industry and other knowledge providers.

These meetings would help the pharmaceutical industry to impress upon regulatory bodies to formulate policies, which will be beneficial for the growth of the entire industry.