Events

Indian pharma uses CPhI Worldwide as springboard for success

Indian pharma reinforced its global ambitions in no uncertain terms at the recently concluded CPhI Worldwide exhibition in Milan, Italy. Viveka Roychowdhury reports

"We are not cheap, we are cost effective." With this statement, Ajit Singh, Group Chairman, ACG Worldwide emphasised India's new role in global pharma as an evolved quality partner, rather than supplier of services and products across the pharma value chain. Singh made the statement at a press meet, held at the CPhI Worldwide exhibition at Italy. For three days, Milan's futuristic Rho Fiera exhibition centre was a-buzz with news of expansions and deals in the making.

This year's event saw a particularly high turnout from India, with post-event footfall estimates putting the figure at one third of the total 22,000 plus visitors and 1,900 plus exhibitors. Industry observers point out that distance is no obstacle as most established Indian pharma companies already have a presence on the continent. In fact, ACG Worldwide, Asia's largest capsules manufacturer, announced the first Indian venture in Croatia, with its 100 percent equity acquisition of Lukaps. The 25 year old Croatian firm is the largest capsule maker in Eastern Europe and can produce over 2.5 billion capsules per annum. This take over will help strengthen the presence of ACG Worldwide in Europe, while adding to their production capacity.

Raghuveer Kini, Executive Director, PHARMEXCIL (centre) with a client from Brazil (left) and Kailash Purohit, Head-Healthcare Vertical, Indian Express Group

Many Indian companies used the opportunity to aggressively showcase their achievements and future plans, with more than 150 companies setting up stalls in the various Exhibitor halls. Nicholas Piramal India announced an additional investment of $4 million in its Chennai-based early phase development facility, while Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) became the first manufacturer to enter the US Pharmacopeia, when the USP awarded a verified mark to two of DRL's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)—ramipril and finasteride. DRL may now use this mark on its certificate of analyses and other materials. This mark signifies that the two substances have undergone a rigorous and independent conformity assessment activity conducted by the USP's pharmaceutical ingredient verification program (PIVP). This quality stamp only endorsed India's image as a source of high-quality products.

Tommorrow's giants

A major portion of the Indian exhibitors were part of the ‘India Pavilion’, set up by the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL). Ever since its formation in May 2004, PHARMEXCIL has aggressively pursued its mandate to help its members achieve excellence in exports and facilitate overseas buyers to find suitable trade partners from the Indian pharma Industry. According to Raghuveer Kini, who has recently taken over as Executive Director, PHARMEXCIL, the India pavilion had 41 small and medium Indian companies, and was the biggest India Pavilion at CPhI Worldwide to date. These included Elder Pharmaceuticals, Biological E, Anu's Laboratories, Suven Life Sciences, Rantus Pharma, Riddhi Pharma and Titan Pharma to name but a few.

Indian pharma exports 46 percent of its total production and this share is slated to increase as companies look to increase exports as a strategy to improve realisations. A majority of these exports head for Europe, and therefore, the Milan event was a must-attend. PHARMEXCIL's role as a facilitator and bridge between Indian pharma and prospective clients will
continue to be crucial.

viveka.r@expressindia.com