The Rs 75-crore British Biologicals (BB), a protein-nutraceutical major, has outlined plans to strengthen its presence in the domestic and international market to enhance its profit opportunities. The company is also stepping up its global presence by scouting for orders in contract manufacture while extending its export destinations to US and Europe.

In the domestic arena, BB has slated two vital product launches: Reno Pro and Cardio Pro for nephrology and cardiovascular recuperating patients. Currently, Reno Pro is undergoing clinical trails at major hospitals in the country where Osmolarity tests are being conducted. The development of Cardio Pro is technically complicated and stability studies are going on.

As a disease-specific-nutritional giant, BB has maintained its stronghold in 18 global destinations including South East Asia, West Indies, Kenya and Dubai. It is now gearing up for the Europe and U S markets where it is already initiated dialogues with officials to test-taste products and has received an impressive acceptance during its market research efforts.

BB is also serving a few global customers through contract manufacture. Now it wants to capitalise the spare capacity of its WHO-GMP compliant plant located on the Bannerghata Road in Bangalore which has a capacity of around 1 lakh bottles a day. "We are confident to bag global orders because we have already proved our mark in maintaining both timelines and stringent international quality norms," V Sridhar, executive director, British Biologicals told Pharmabiz.com

The company's range of seven products are available in four speciality therapeutic categories- general medicine nutrition for adults and children, respiratory, liver and women's health care. The range has B Protein, (supplement for nutrition), D Protein (nutrition support for diabetics), Pulmocare, (nutrition for pulmonary disease), Pro-PL (integral nutrition in pregnancy and lactation), Kids Pro (for healthy body an sharp mind) Hepa Pro (for post recovery from liver disorders due to jaundice and acute alcoholism) and Meno-Pro [for the body and mind approach to menopause]. Incidentally, the unique selling proposition (USP) for the company is the taste as all products are available in two or three flavours. It is also the only protein supplement with actual dry fruit contents, informed Sridhar.

The R&D wing at British Biologicals is working on a meal replacement and a nutritional drink for orthopaedic disorders.

Although all products are marketed primarily via the prescription route, but D Protein, B_Pro and Kids Pro are available over-the-counter (OTC) at upmarket stores for customers to have easy access to prescribed products. It also organises regular awareness and education drives for Meno Pro, D Pro and Kids Pro There will be series of national symposia and CME (continuing medical education) programmes for marketing Renal Pro and Cardio Pro.

The current market size for nutraceuticals in India is around Rs 200 crore and globally it is $450 million. The company currently holds around 40 per cent of the domestic market share. With a turnover of Rs 75 crore it is registering a growth of 30 per cent annually.

To support its expansion plans the company intends to augment its staff strength by 18 to 20 per cent. The new corporate office South Bangalore would be commissioned in mid 2005.