Ashok Pharmaceuticals, the flagship company of the Chennai-based Ashok group of companies, is planning to launch a series of age specific food supplements within three months.

Various nutraceuticals containing anti-oxidants, minerals, micro nutrients and multi vitamins, in age-wise forms of drops for infants, syrup for children aged under 12 years, chewable tablets for teenagers and capsules meant for adults, will hit the market in November, Ramesh Khathod, managing partner, Ashok Pharmaceuticals told Pharmabiz.

Further, the company is also launching food supplements related to menstrual cycle of women. Capsules and chew tablets will enter the market within a few weeks. The OTC product range, which is an extension of the existing brand, will be distributed through doctors at first. The company has plans to export these nutraceuticals under a common tagline - 'Defies generation gap'. However, he declined to reveal further details about the products.

He said Ashok Pharmaceuticals has made a tie-up with Parry Neutraceuticals of Murugappa group, the manufacturers of natural Carotenoids, for technical assistance in mixing of anti-oxidants in the products. The company is also planning to launch Panax ginseng in soft gel form with rejuvenation properties.

Another product in the pipeline is a specialized package of glucose for the emergency use of hypoglycemia patients. Branded 'Emergency Glucose,' the product will be made available in 5gm, 10 gm packets and sachets and will be introduced in the market within three months.

The Rs 10.5-crore Ashok Pharmaceuticals manufactures and markets a variety of anti-hypertensives, anti-anginals, diuretics and antidepressants. The company is also expanding its facilities to comply with schedule M norms.