After the recent launch of its recombinant insulin Recosulin, the Mumbai-based Shreya Life Sciences is all set to enter human growth hormones (HGH) and hepatitis B vaccine segments.

The company has received DCGI approval for the launch of HGH and is awaiting another clearance for the hepatitis B vaccine launch, said senior company officials.

"We will be launching HGH very shortly, which will be followed by hep-B vaccine. The technology has been licensed from Biotechnology General Corporation (BTGC) (now known as Savient Inc.), USA," said Sujit Kumar Singh, chairman, Shreya Corporation.

"Shreya will be initially importing HGH and hep-B vaccine from BTGC's plant in Israel. After December 2005, we will be manufacturing both the products in Shreya's biotech facility near Pune," he added.

The quantity and pricing is yet to be decided, said Shreya officials. "We have applied for import clearance. Hepatitis B vaccine and hormones will be priced competitively," said Ram Shelat, head, strategic alliances & new business development, Shreya Life Sciences.

HGH will consist of hormones that will act against growth retardation and ageing. Currently, growth hormones are being marketed in the country by MNCs like Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, GSK, USV, Win Medicare, Panacea Biotech, and VH Bhagat & Co. A growth improvement hormone is today priced at Rs 400 for a vial of 12 units.

Shreya has also tied up with Germany's BBT for marketing the latter's gonadotropins, hormones against infertility.

"Shreya's hep-B vaccine will bring the dosage of the vaccine to two level compared to the existing three," said Shelat.

The current hepatitis B vaccine market is about Rs 60-70 crore, comprising market players like GSK, Shantha, Wockhardt, Biological E and others.