The Rs.1,800 crore Himalaya Drug Company is now significantly stepping up its infrastructure, research and manpower requirements. This is part of the herbal drug major’s efforts to increase its value in the domestic market and reinstate its dominance in the herbal sector.

The company’s pharmaceutical, personal care, animal health and wellness portfolio will see a boost in terms of new formulations introductions in Q1 of fiscal 2017. This sees the company firm up its hiring for 2016-17 taking on another 3,500 workforce, of which 50-75 would be scientists, taking the total strength of its R&D team to 350.

“As our research pipeline matures to bring in formulation for cancer, diabetes, dermatology and nutrition, we are gearing up for the future to provide the Indian consumer the much needed benefits of herbal formulations. We also hope to achieve revenues to the tune of Rs.2,000 crore for 2016-17,” Philipe Haydon, CEO, The Himalaya Drug Company told Pharmabiz.

For instance wellness is emerging as a way of life. Our multi-pronged strategy is to define wellness category and nutraceuticals. Under nutrition, which is promoted as OTX under brand HiOwna, we presently have formulations for kids and adults and will soon launch products for diabetes and weight management. We will also ensure sustaining our dominance in the hepatic sector with Liv 52 which is currently a Rs.200 crore brand and ranked in the top 15 drugs in India, according to the IMS. Liv 52 DS is positioned for the management of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic damage in diabetics. Further our intent is to define pet care and pet nutrition. In baby care, we currently hold 25 per cent of the Rs.1,800 crore market which is led by J&J, he added.

Between 2007 to 2011, the team size stood at 3,500 personnel. In 2015-16, its workforce increased to 7,000 and we are looking at a 25 per cent increase to touch 10,000 personnel for the fiscal 2017. These comprise sales- marketing, research and manufacture, he said.

Another area of focus for the company is dermaceuticals where a slew of products for dry skin will complement and complete its cosmeceutical range featuring high emollient properties.

The big driver for Himalaya is its personal care in terms of volumes followed by pharmaceuticals, baby care, wellness and animal health. Going forward, new units and aggressive research efforts will need the increased workforce to support the company’s growth momentum, said Haydon.