The mid way

The word February is derived from the Latin term februum, which means purification. Ironically, February is also the month where the Finance Minister dusts away the financial hassles to make way for a better economy. But I doubt if that happens all the time!

After a very big disappointment last year, this time pharma industry was on the Budget agenda though not offered much. The Budget leaves me with mixed feelings though I am quite happy with the recognition for the biotech sector and R&D; making it an innovation friendly Budget. These are my opinions, but if you want to know what the industry thinks of the Budget; it is listed in the Market cover of the issue, not many pages away.

Technically pharmaceutical

What else do pharma companies need other than tax holidays to bolster innovation? Amongst other cliché answers, the one that would stand out would be technology! Though using a technology powered device might sound futuristic and risky as well, some of these devices have the potential to redefine drug delivery in the future. Some of these devices are discussed in this issue's research cover.

The counter view

What happens when branded drugs get old? Some become generic and some are replaced by better versions. They are also some which come out from the dusty shelves to be on to the counter to turn OTC. Though it looks glamorous on the outside, there is a lot work that goes behind the makeover.

While there have been some good examples of successful Rx to OTC switches there are also quite a few perils that come with them. This issue's management cover discusses the right approach to shift a product OTC.

Sandeep Ajgaonkar
sandeep.ajgaonkar@expressindia.com