EIPW: In pursuit of excellence

The Beginning

Set up on April 27, 1936, Kolkata based East India Pharmaceutical Works Limited (EIPW), is one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in the country. Brainchild of an Indian entrepreneur, the Late Asoke Kumar Sen, EIPW today has emerged as a pharmaceutical behemoth in the country with three divisions, three manufacturing facilities, a workforce of about 1500 employees and an annual turnover of more than Rs. 830 million.

Over the decades, the objective has been simple—to develop, through private entrepreneurship, an organization to synthesise modern drugs from basic chemicals and cater to the needs of the millions. Since the very inception of the Company, Sri Sen was joined in by another visionary Late Hirendra Nath Dutt Gupta, a man with great leadership qualities. Banking solely on national resources and quality human talent, EIPW, which has never compromised on the quality of its products, has today moved up the value chain to acquire ISO 9001: 2000 certification.

R&D Strengths

Driven by its commitment to industrial self-reliance, EIPW began its R&D activities as early as in 1938 at its own laboratory manned by a group of dedicated scientists. Since then, through indigenous research, the R&D Department has accomplished some outstanding achievements.

It started with the synthesis of Cincophen, to be followed Sulphacetamide, Niekthamide, Quiniodochlor compound (with phenol as starting material) and the use of fungi as medicinal agent - all of which were done for the first time in India.

According to the file of Patents of Independent India (1947-1966), the oldest patent was from EIPW on Sulfonamide derivative assigned on June 11, 1947. Till date, a number of research papers, published by the R&D Department of EIPW, continue to be cited as references in the publications by other research groups globally, which is no doubt a landmark achievement.

Today, the Company is proud of its advanced R&D facility, which has been acclaimed and recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The team of dedicated scientists at the R&D Department continues to followthe rich pioneering tradition maintained by the Company for decades in the areas of basic research and product development. The R&D Department of EIPW acts as the backbone of both of its production and quality control facilities.

'Quality' - the Hallmark

At every stage of production, from raw materials to finished products, the highest standard of quality is maintained with the help of the most advanced technology and highly skilled and trained manpower.

The management's uncompromising perseverance towards 'quality' has brought in enormous goodwill for the Company. The medical profession and the pharmaceutical trade have reposed their faith and trust in the company.

Modern Manufacturing Facility

The formulation factory in Kolkata, West Bengal, set up in 1958, produces more than 40 products in different dosage forms using the most advanced equipment and machinery and conforming to the highest standards of quality, safety and quantity. The upgraded manufacturing facility has been credited with WHO-GMP (Good Manufacturing & Quality Control Practice) certification.

Strong Marketing & Distribution Network

Since its inception, EIPW concentrated on building up an effective marketing network to address the needs of the medical profession as well as to reach out to the common man. Presently, the Company has a strong sales and marketing team comprising of 350 well-trained field personnel. EIPW has 18 sales offices and over 50,000 marketing intermediaries to ensure the presence of its products everywhere from the metros to the most remote villages of the country.

Today, several products of the EIPW stable like Vitazyme, Locula, Calron, Enteroquinol, Dermoquinol, Tonoferon and Pyrigesic have emerged as 'established' brands nationally.

Spreading its wings

Today, EIPW's activities are no longer limited to modern medicines only. It has made forays into OTC Healthcare products, export marketing and biotechnology. The Company's products have found markets in countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Qasar Healthcare Private Limited, the Company's subsidiary is engaged in the development and marketing of OTC Healthcare products.

The Company has also focused its attention on emerging sectors like Biotechnology. EIPW has set up necessary R&D infrastructure in the areas of microbial technology, genetic manipulation, natural products and healthcare.

Besides, collaborative research projects have been taken up with Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.