Micro Vision, the ophthalmic and dermatology division of Micro Labs Limited is scouting for international partners for marketing and production technology transfer of its range of products.

The division already has a technical collaboration with the cosmeceutical major ISIS, France for Glycol-A and Glycol 6 prescribed for hyper pigmentation.

To consolidate its position in the domestic market, Micro Vision is pursuing innovative sales strategies for the existing products.

Once its ophthalmology production in the UK MCA approved facility in Bommasandra goes on stream in December 2004, it will enter the regulated markets, said S Rajagopalan, vice-president, marketing & sales, Micro Visions s.

Shortly, two products each for glaucoma and tear substitutes would be launched, he told Pharmabiz.com.

The market size of ophthalmology products in India is Rs.300 crore and is growing at 7 per cent. Micro Vision is ranked 10th in the country in ophthalmology (ORG). Currently it competes in the national level with Allergan, FDC, Cipla, Sun and Novartis. Among the regional competitors are Syntho and Ophtha in the north, Sunways and Jawa in the west and Klarshen in the East. In the south Micro Vision is one of the dominating players in ophthalmic care products, he said.

In the area of dermatology, Micro Vision is set to launch Saltrix ointment, in water miscible base. The other new introductions expected are Kojic acid, Unitone (brand), Trivate MF and Misalic. The division also plans to launch products for acne, alopecia and hirsutism before June 2004.

The division has a product basket comprising steroids, keratolytics, anti infective, sunscreens, anaesthetics, anti viral, anti fungal, anti acne and anti pigmentation.

The dermatology market valued at Rs.1000 crore is growing at 4 per cent. Major players are Glaxo SmithKline, Steifel, Galderma, Schering, Glenmark, Gracewell and Crosslands, Paulson, Percos and Shalax.