AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd was formed today with the acquisition of 51 per cent stake of Astra IDL Ltd by AstraZeneca PLC.

"With the multifarious business and research activities, AstraZeneca will tap the potential pharma market in India which is the 11th largest in the world," said Lars Walan, managing director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.

A web site 'www.astrazenecaindia.com' has been launched as a part of its Foundation Day in Bangalore by Karnataka chief minister, S M Krishna.

AstraZeneca Pharma India has consolidated its position in the cardiovascular, respiratory, infection, pain control and maternal healthcare therapeutic segments in the domestic market. The company charted out an integrated Strategic Business Unit I and II where the company has expanded its marketing network. For this, AstraZeneca Pharma India had a sales force in place who are concentrating on specific metros and big towns for wider reach of its brand range: cardiovascular, gynecology, respiratory and anesthetics drugs.

The company's manufacturing base in Bangalore is spread over 70 acres and has been rated as one of the finest pharma production bases in South East Asia.

AstraZeneca Pharma India has bagged several wards for its quality excellence from the Indian Drug Manufacturing Association for five consecutive years.

Lars Walan informed Pharmabiz.com that his company has been a dominant player in the country and products like Betaloc, Imdur, Plendil and Ramace [cardiology] Bricanyl, Pulmicort, Rhinocort [for respiratory], Cerviprime, Primprost and Prostodin [Maternal health] Xylocaine and Sensorcaine [pain management] have helped it to register a turnover of Rs. 1352.4 million.

The company bagged a prestigious trophy from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India [ICFAI] for the most investor friendly company in 1998.