The Thane-based Advanced Biochemicals Ltd, a biotechnology company promoted by LC Rathi, is planning to set up a new unit in Marathwada region of Maharashtra to produce natural enzymes. The unit is expected to be commissioned by mid 2006, and will also have an R&D set up, the company sources told Pharmabiz.

The company, focusing on two major segments namely healthcare and processing industries, produces a full spectrum of enzymes derived from all four natural origins viz. plant, vegetable, fungi and bacteria. Both solid state and submerged culture techniques of fermentation are put into practice thereby producing enzymes such as Cellulases, Amylases, Proteases, Pancreatin, Trypsin and Serratiopeptidase.

In the pharma front, it produces enzymes that find application in the areas of acute and chronic pain, inflammation, digestion, anti-diarrhoeal, antimicrobial and cardiac care.

The source added, the company exports products to about thirty countries worldwide including the US and South Asian countries. More than 50 per cent of its turnover is exported. Seeing the potential in the US, the company has established a separate entity-specialty Enzymes and Biochemicals at California. It is contemplating to set up offices in Singapore, China and HongKong. The company is also evaluating options of setting up a new unit in Singapore.

The company is foraying into nutraceuticals sector by creating a new division by name 'Advanced Bionutraceuticals', which is likely to launch its first product during April 2005. This new division will also take up contract manufacturing of nutraceuticals, the source informed.

It plans to launch 'EXCLzyme EN' for inflammation, pain and associated indications and 'VegPanZyme' as antacid. It also plans to launch products in the areas of cardiac care, weight management, cosmetic skin care and digestion.

The company has so far invested about Rs 45 crore in its production facilities. It is expecting Rs 60-crore turnover this financial year through enzymes and probiotics. It aims to reach Rs 100-crore mark in another two years.

Its manufacturing facilities are WHO-cGMP and ISO 9001:2000 certified. It has three R&D labs, one lab is in Nashik and two are in Thane.