Belle Sante Diagnostic and Therapeutic Institute, a subsidiary of Forte Wayne Endocrinology, USA, will raise Rs.10 to 50 crore for its next phase of expansion which includes opening franchisees and satellite centres in the country. Belle Sante Diagnostic is a hormone replacement centre equipped with a dedicated compounding facility.

The Institute is discussion with venture capitalists in India and abroad. "While several funding majors have evinced considerable interest to assist, we are keen to shortlist in a financial partner with networking muscle to support these initiatives", Dr. Vivek Kadambi, Director, Belle Sante told Pharmabiz.

The strategy is to seek financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 10 crore and take on the remaining funds in phases, stated Dr. Ashok Kadambi, founder and president, Forte Wayne Endocrinology, US.

With the introduction of compounding pharmacy, the Institute is trying to save the customs duty levy of 28 per cent on imported bio-actives. It will also be able to save the treatment costs for patients at least by 30-50 per cent.

The format of compounding pharmacy is not unique to India. The concept is a revival of the ancient tradition and an indispensable model in ayurveda and homeopathy practiced in the country. Customized medication is vital for therapies like hormone replacement as dispensing accurate dosage to treat the condition ensures both efficacy and safety. Initially, Belle Sante will offer only creams and ointments through its compounding pharmacy to patients. The oral drugs will be made available from Forte Wayne, stated Dr. Vivek Kadambi.

The estimated value of compounding pharmacy in the US is $2 billion of which 30 million prescriptions are dispensed.

Bio-identical HRT is recognized as a safe treatment for hormonal deficiencies. The bio-actives prescribed are plant based substances which are US FDA approved. Back in the US, Forte Wayne is generating over a 1,000 prescriptions a week for bio-actives to treat the disorders resulting out of an aging population

Hormonal imbalances are normal occurrences with aging and this leads to osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These disorders and diseases can be controlled with timely attention.

The treatment will cost between Rs.5, 000 and Rs. 15,000 depending on the severity of the condition. The Institute insists on conducting tests to ascertain the hormone levels to be able to accurately prescribe the dosage and monitor the progress to be able to reduce the dose if the hormone levels are improved.

The diagnosis and prescriptions will be also reviewed by the doctors in the US on a regular basis. In India, Belle Sante will organize several awareness programmes on osteoporosis among others and educate the public and doctors about need for hormone optimization. The natural bio-actives prescribed by Belle Sante have a molecular structure similar to the body hormones which makes it safe and effective. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, alter their physiological properties in the body leading to several side effects.