Although lengthy registrationsis a problem in the region butif quality parameters are recognized,then the wait is worth it. It is alsocrucial for Indian pharma companiesto build-up confidence intheir customers from Middle Eastwith regards to timely supplies

Karnataka's Srushti Pharmaceuticals which entered the Middle East three years ago is now in a bid to firm up its operations in the region by entering new markets. Right now it is present only in Syria, Dubai and Jordan.

For Srushti, indomethacin, one of the oldest drugs for arthritis is the only product which is exported to the region. This drug is an extended release formulation in pellets form of 75mg which is ready to be filled in capsules by pharma companies sourcing it from Srushti.

In India, Srushti was one of the first companies to start production of this drug at its facility in the Peenya Industrial Area in Bangalore. Other players from the country in the same segment are Themis Medicare Ltd, Mumbai and Jagson Pal Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Punjab.

Indomethacin is in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) category. "The pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East have been extremely receptive to our supplies. We are also in the process of having a second product introduction which is a hematinic combination (carbonyl iron and folic acid) where initial samples have been dispatched and expecting approvals from Egypt and Abu Dhabi, Jatish N Seth, director, Srushti Pharmaceuticals and secretary, Karnataka Pharmaceuticals and Drugs Manufacturers Association (KDPMA) said.

"Our main thrust in the Middle East market would be to go in for company registration which will allow us to introduce products at a faster pace," he added. Plans are also on the cards to set-up a facility eventually once the volumes are stabilized. Currently, Indomethacin is a niche product and despite the demand, volumes at the moment and not that high to set-up a plant in the region, stated Jatish Seth.

Trading in the Middle East demands consistent quality of products and if Indian companies can meet up this requirement, a major hurdle is crossed. Although lengthy registrations is a problem in the region but if quality parameters are recognized, then the wait is worth it. It is also crucial for Indian pharma companies to build-up confidence in their customers from Middle East with regards to timely supplies, he said.

Giving an overview of the scene in the Middle East for pharma exports from India, the Srushti chief stated that it there are lots of opportunities for quality small-medium players. Now with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) no longer demanding the EMEA certification as a primary requirement for marketing in the region, many Indian companies are looking at the destination. In the patent regime, there are several prospects for tie-ups or alliances with companies in the Middle East, he pointed out.