Cipla, the third largest pharma company in India with net sales of Rs 3438 crore, has chalked out Rs 930 crore capacity expansion plans for the next two years. The company is setting up three manufacturing unit at Sikkim, Goa and Indore. The expansion is likely to be completed by the end of 2008.

Speaking with Pharmabiz, Amar Lulla, CEO, Cipla said, "Our expansion plans has already finalized and construction activity will start by the end of this year. We are investing Rs 350 crore for the setting up production and formulation unit for aerosols, tablets and capsules at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Rs 180 crore for tablets, capsules, ointments, and injectibles facility in Sikkim, and Rs 400 crore for a SEZ in Goa. We are expecting sales and profit growth of 10-12 per cent for the next two years. We are also likely to file 21-22 new ANDAs in the same financial year".

Cipla has significantly increased its capital expenditure on modernisation and expansion of existing units and for the setting up new facilities. Recently, it has invested Rs 170 crore in a new export oriented unit at Patalganga for both APIs and formulation. Apart from this, the company has also set up two new units for APIs and formulation in Bangalore and Kurkumbh. Its most of the manufacturing facilities are internationally approved. Cipla has formed key alliance with many companies and organization domestic as well as internationally.

Cipla continues focus on new medical devices in the area of respiratory medicine, including an inhaled devices for insulin. Two unique spray patch system have been launched by Cipla for the first time in the world for testosterone and for estradiol. In addition to a novel dry powder inhaler device, a new inhaler has been launched for asthma under the brand name "simply one" which allows a single daily dose.

The world's first HIV triple fixed dose combination made by the company under the brand name triomune baby and junior which have recently been approved by the US FDA and WHO. The company has on going research agreement with Avestagen, Bangalore for collaborative biopharmaceutical products to be marketed in and outside India.

Cipla has 108 ongoing projects in USA with various partners. The company has over 100 DMFs for the APIs in the USA and 80 in Europe. Many products are on the verge of approval, essentially in regulated markets, and this augurs well for the company's overseas thrust in the foreseeable future. The company is also making its efforts at developing treatment for malaria and neglected diseases like thalassaemia, leishmanisasis and schistosomiasis.

Talking about company's tie-up involvement with GSK and Reliance, Lulla, said, "We are not considering for any such tie-up."