Anglo French & Drugs has invested Rs 8 crore to upgrade its manufacturing facility at the Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore. The funds are sourced from internal accruals.

The existing Schedule M and WHO GMP compliant tablet unit is now ready to take on international audits from MCC, UKMHRA and TGA Australia. It is already approved by National Drug Authority, Uganda for a three-year supply of formulations.

The company will address emerging markets of Belgium, Brazil, Middle East, Latin America, European Union, South Africa among others. A modern facility with advanced technology adhering to the regulations of specific country's needs was mandatory. It has also upgraded its R&D centre and set up a dedicated effluent treatment plant (ETP), Pradeep V Joshi, vice president, Technical, Anglo French & Drugs & Industries told Pharmabiz.

The facility has a capacity to produce 50 lakh tablets per shift in a range of sugar coated, film coated and entry coated versions. The validation of the unit will be carried out in the first week of May before it commissions fresh manufacture. The company stalled production after it ensured an inventory of drug supplies, added Joshi.

Anglo French's second facility, an injectables unit at Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh undertakes contract manufacture. The company has presence in Russia, Myanmar, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. For the emerging markets it offers both branded formulations and herbal drugs besides contract research-manufacturing services (CRAMS).

Of the 40 pharma products from its stables, B Plex Forte is the flagship product. In fact the company has the expertise in production of vitamins and nutraceuticals. The advanced manufacturing technology for production of vitamins allows the company to offers a shelf life of 30 months over its competitors in the case of B Plex Forte. Being an unstable molecule, stabilization of the vitamins is a challenge. This is where Anglo French intended to garner its success in the market with its wide product basket and production expertise, said Joshi.

Going forward, the CRAMS focus will allow Angle French to look at product development-manufacture and discussion are on with international customers. It is also associating with companies in Australia and New Zealand for supply of fortified nutraceuticals for the food sector. Besides, it is pursuing marketing alliances with international customers for development, sourcing and manufacture of drugs. The company is also planning direct marketing in many countries.

As part of its ERP implementation process, from fiscal 2007- 2008, Anglo French adopted the 15 month revenue tabulation format (March to June) and garnered revenues of Rs 88 crore. Between July 2008 to March 2009, it registered 25 per cent growth and the annual results will be in early August, stated Rajesh A Sharma, general manager, finance & supply chain, Anglo French Drugs & Industries.