Company Watch

Mankind enters into alliance with Roche

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

In an exclusive marketing agreement between Roche Diagnostics and Mankind Pharma, it was decided that Mankind will undertake marketing activities for 'Accu-Chek Go', a newly launched blood glucose monitoring device by Roche, in India. Accu-Chek Go is a new, fast, low blood volume system that offers advanced and accurate testing with its hygienic test strip ejection and customisable safety. It is priced at Rs 1990. Speaking at this occasion, Sanjeev Johar, Asia Pacific Regional Head, Diabetes Care, said, "Globally, we have been at the forefront of creating pioneering products and solutions in blood glucose monitoring. Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in India and accessibility of services for improved diabetes management has always been a challenge. This arrangement provides India's vast urban and suburban areas access to our best-in-class products and services, and aligns perfectly with our philosophy of meeting 'unmet needs' in our chosen markets."

With Mankind's strong distribution and marketing force, Accu-Chek Go will be available across 500 cities in India. The purpose of this co-operation is to raise awareness for diabetes and to spread the message of self-monitoring in Indian homes. Both parties have the declared goal to enable people with diabetes leading a life as normal as possible despite their condition and to provide efficient and effective diabetes management solutions to them in metros, mini metros and rural towns in India. R C Juneja, Managing Director, Mankind, said, "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Roche Diagnostics. The synergy between Mankind and Roche to provide best solutions in diabetes management is ideal for both parties. This partnership will also strengthen our existing distribution channels, thereby expanding Mankind's presence in the marketplace in the field of diabetes management and diagnosis." The focus of the co-operation is to leverage the importance of proper diabetes management and at the same time to increase the availability of efficient tools for people with diabetes and their caregivers. With the agreement on Accu-Chek Go, both partners seek to fulfil the increasing demand of information, adequate education and supply to all parties involved in diabetes management.