The Ahmedabad based, Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd is expanding its operations in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company is looking forward to supply and market three products, Neukine, Erykine and Intalfa in these markets. The company has signed a supply agreement in Africa for consolidating its position in MENA region.
With this agreement it will be able to reach Morocco, Algeria, West Africa (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Cameroon), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In an E mail interaction with Pharmabiz, Simon Daniel, chief executive marketing, said, "With this agreement, we are trying to expand our global marketing plans. The supply agreement in Africa gives a strategic advantage to IBPL in strengthening market position in MENA region and serves the goal of reaching new destinations. Our technology strength and market intelligence and distribution network with our local partner in Africa can be unified for providing the much-needed boost to establish business rapidly. We are looking forward to more agreements with leading international pharmaceutical and biotech companies in future to expand our market reach of products".
Recently, it has signed agreement in North America for Neukine. This business deal will help in launching the first GCSF generic in North America. After EU GMP certification, its entry into semi-regulated markets has become relatively easy. The company has significant presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Russia and CIS, South and Central America and Africa.
Talking about further initiative, Daniel, averred that, "We are looking to consolidate our position in the contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) segment. We have taken CRAMS opportunity as a focus area with tremendous potential and in the process to scale up the facilities. With respect to CRAMS, we offer a unique business model for offshore clients from regulated or semi-regulated markets".
The company has competitive advantage in terms of developing new biotech products, technology transfer and contract manufacturing.
IBPL is the manufacturer of Pegylated GCSF and market it under the brand name Neupeg. The product offers treatment against toxicity caused due to chemotherapy in cancer patients. This USP has prompted the need for a special and dedicated sales division Relay. The company has doubled its sales force to allow more focussed approach towards niche therapeutic areas of oncology. Keeping in view the future product pipeline, increasing the sales force is an important step towards strengthening IBPL's presence in the domestic market. Speaking on company's domestic activity, Daniel said, "In order to give thrust to IBPL's sales activities we have plans to launch new sales division Bridge catering to nephrology and neurology therapeutic areas".