The Hyderabad based Natco Pharma Ltd, one of the leading players in Indian pharmaceutical industry with a focus on the oncology segment, is planning to launch 15 to 20 generics this year.

According to the company the products, which is planning to launch in the current year, includes the generic version of Abraxis BioScience Inc's breast cancer drug, Abraxane. Natco's generic version of the drug is a nanotechnology based product. The Bangalore-based Biocon is already marketing the original drug in India as per its tie-up with Abraxis BioScience Inc. The Delhi-based Dabur Pharma, which was recently acquired by Fresenius Kabi, has launched the nanotech version of Abraxane under the brand name Nanoxel last year.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Rajeev Nannapaneni, chief operating officer, Natco Pharma Ltd, said, "We are looking forward to launch the nanotechnology based generic version of Abraxane shortly. It is expected to be a growth driver for our company. The toxicology level of our drug is very low compared to those available in the market. We are also planning to launch another 15 to 20 generics in the niche areas".

The company is in the process of setting up an oral and injectable cytoxic facility in Hyderabad with an investment of Rs 40 crore. The oral facility will be operational in another four months and injectable facility by early next year. The Hyderabad facility will cater to the highly regulated markets, while the Uttarakand facility will meet the demands of domestic market.

The company has five products in the pipeline and one of its products, NRC 19, is all set to enter the clinical trial in India. The NRC 19 is for the treatment of leukaemia. The company, which has already applied to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is waiting for the approval to commence to trials.

Natco Pharma, which is aiming to achieve $100 million sales in another three to four years, is also considering acquisitions of retail chains in the US. Nannapaneni added that to achieve the targeted growth the company needs to go for acquisitions. It is also with a view to strengthen its retail business in the US.