The pharma major, Zydus Cadila's net profit surged by 29 per cent to Rs 39.50 crore during the third quarter ended December 2004 from Rs 30.60 crore in the same period last year. Net sales for the same period was up by 7.9 per cent which stood at Rs 278 crore as against Rs 258 crore in the previous year. At the end of 9 months ended December 2004, the aggregate net sale was Rs 870 crore, up by 10 per cent on year-to-year basis. The net profit for the same period has increased by 19 per cent over the corresponding period in the previous year.

During the quarter, the company signed an MoU for a strategic intent with Mayne Group of Australia to set up a 50:50 integrated JV to construct and operate facilities in India to manufacture APIs and selected cytotoxic (anti-cancer) injectible products. The company also entered into an alliance with Zambon of Italy for contract manufacturing of lyophilised finished dosages forms and to explore opportunities in areas of APIs, Fine Chemicals and R&D.

Further strengthening its position in the French Generics market, Zydus France SAS- the group's French subsidiary, added 13 generics during the quarter. The company now has a product basket of 56 generics.

A strong brand performance was also the highlight of the quarter. 'Aten', the No. 1 anti-hypertensive brand in the atenolol segment has powered its way to become one of the top 20 pharma brands in India.The company launched two new products during the quarter - Mentra in the CNS segment and Zyrig - an equine rabies immunoglobulin, a company release informed.