JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (JBCPL) is planning to set-up two new Strategic Business Units (SBU) for neuro-psychiatry and oncology segments. The neuro-psychiatry and specialty products division, christened ‘ZEPHYR’ will focus primarily on neurology and psychiatry segments. The division will also have few products focusing specifically on gastroenterology and urology.

As a part of its business strategy, JB Chemicals will source its products in the above segments from reputed contract manufacturers and will promote and market the brands through its marketing network. The neurology and psychiatry market has seen an unprecedented growth over the last couple of years. Currently the total market size of CNS is Rs 600 crore as per AC Nielsen ORG-MARG and the same is growing by more than 15 per cent annually.

JB will also have a separate division for another fast growing therapeutic group oncology. The total market size of oncology products is Rs 200 crore, growing at about 40 per cent annually.

The company is planning to recruit a combined fleet of about 150 marketing personnel to implement its proposed marketing plans. Both the new SBUs are expected to be in place by December’03. The also intends to create a franchisee division, christened Uniquest, to promote some of its existing as well as new brands.

JBCPL will manufacture and supply the products and promotional inputs to franchisees to promote and market the products through their field force.

While unveiling Company’s plans J.B. Mody, chairman & managing director, said, “Our vision is to create a strong base in niche segments in neuro-psychiatry and oncology segments for a sustainable long term competitive advantage. Armed with highly motivated and committed team a strong corporate image and a vibrant marketing approach the new specialty divisions are all set to capture the emerging opportunities post 2005.”