Altana Pharma AG, a pharmaceutical division of Altana AG, Germany, has set up its brand-new, state-of-the-art Institute for chemical and clinical research in Mumbai with investment of Rs 60 crore. When fully operational more than 150 employees in 18 laboratories will synthesize up to 3,000 top quality pharmaceutical compounds per year.
Speaking with Pharmabiz, Dr Ulrich Thibaut member of the board of the Altana Pharma AG said, "We have already invested Rs 60 crore for this newly chemical and clinical research centre and now investing Rs 30 crore in the next fiscal. Currently we have 95 scientists and this strength will increase to 150 very shortly. We are planning to enter India in a big way in near future. Our position on the international stage is constantly being reinforced and improved by our high level of investment in research and development, about 20 per cent of our proceeds spent on research."
Thibaut said that the company is exploring possibilities to enter research collaboration agreement with University of Pune. Altana Pharma also like to work on biochemical testing activity in future and planning to introduce new molecule in the market. Altana Pharma is building a new tablet production plant in Ireland. Its drugs are prescribed in over 90 different countries.
Altana Pharma currently has two innovative substances with great potential namely Alvesco and Daxax. Alvesco helps asthma and Dexas is used to treat smoker's lung cancer or chronic obstructive bronchitis. It has already launched inhaler Alvesco, with the cooperation partner Sanofi-Aventis. "Daxas has the potential to become another Altana Pharma's blockbuster, as currently it is in the phase III, with clinical study worldwide. We are approaching for US FDA approval" he said.
Dr Antal Hajos, managing director of Altana Pharma, said, "Establishing the institute in Mumbai does not only enlarge capacities but also facilitates access to new talents and experiences. The Mumbai region features top academic institutions and a highly qualifies workforce. Thus the new institute will not only contribute towards scientific excellence but - due to the widespread cultural and educational background of the people working here - also add solid experience and valuable new perspectives to our global organization."
Altana Pharma established a clinical research and data management centre in Mumbai during 2001 with a total of 25 employees. Both these units have been integrated earlier last year into the new institute. The company has also set a 50:50 joint venture with Zydus Cadila - Zydus Altana Healthcare Pvt Ltd in Navi Mumbai.