Netherlands based DSM, a global player in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) business, has identified India as the supply base for its branded bulk drug "Purimox (enzymatic amoxicillin)" for entire Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. The company commissioned its environmental friendly manufacturing facility for the production of "Purimox" at Toansa, Punjab on August 23, 2006.

Purimox, the world's first branded API, produced in an enzymatic route without use of solvents, is having five years shelf life as compared to the three years recommended for amoxicillin API manufactured through conventional chemical processes. The break through technology has also helped the formulators to ensure more shelf life and stability for the finished products, DSM claims.
The Indian facility, having a capacity to manufacture 2000 tonnes of Purimox per year, is the second dedicated Purimox production facility of DSM after its production facility in Spain. Purimox is the first product launched by DSM Anti-Infectives under DSM Pure Actives range. The company has also developed patented enzymatic processes for semi-synthetic cephalosporin brands like Purilex and Puridrox. While Purimox will now be manufactured in India, all other "Pure Active" range of products will continue to be imported and marketed in the country. Speaking at the launch function, Gerard De Reuver, president, DSM Anti-Infectives indicated that 'the new plant is part of DSM's expansion plans to have a strong footing in the region'. He hinted that the company might think of strengthening and diversifying its manufacturing activities in India once the custom demand for its "Pure Active" range of products are clear.

DSM, which has a total turnover of $ 150 million, has identified "emerging markets" like BRIC nations as a core area of their future operations. These countries account for about 20 per cent of DSM's Anti-Infectives business today, Reuver informed pharmabiz.

DSM started off its Indian operations as a joint venture with Max India in 1987. Fourteen years later, DSM took over the entire operations and the Punjab facility became its manufacturing hub for APIs.

DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. The group has an annual sale of over EUR 8 billion and employs about 22,000 people worldwide.