Bangladesh's pharmaceutical major and division of Beximco group, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited (BPL) is planning to collaborate with potential Indian companies in the area of research & development and bulk drug manufacturing. The company, which is currently the second largest in turnover in the country, is strategically moving towards strengthening bulk drug capability and exports by floating joint ventures with Indian companies.

While talking to Pharmabiz.com on the sidelines of the Asia Pharma Expo 2003 in Dhaka, Nazmul Hassan, director (marketing & international business), Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, said that the company is looking for Indian bulk drug companies who have strong research base and technology for new and existing molecules. "So that, we can jointly develop the bulk drug manufacturing capability in Bangladesh," he added.

At present, BPL manufactures some of the basic drugs such as ampicillin, amoxycillin and also paracetamol and is a major supplier of these drugs in the Bangladesh market. However, the market which is fully dependent on imports for the remaining drugs, is seriously considering the options of having such international tie-ups with bulk drug majors especially from India, Taiwan and China.

Nazmul Hassan said that the joint venture partners in bulk drugs having best technology for existing drugs and also new drugs through original research or reverse engineering can not only take the advantage of Bangladesh market but also export market of other least developed countries through the join venture with us even after 2005. The Beximco team headed by Nazmul Hassan will be visiting India in the 1st week of March to initiate talks with few Indian bulk drug majors like Ranbaxy, Dr Reddys, Cadila, Lupin and Aurobindo.

BPL, which is the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country holds a 15 per cent share in the domestic market. The pharma group of Beximco has presently two other companies, Beximco Infusions Limited (BIL ) and Pharmatek Chemicals Limited under its fold.