Cadila Healthcare lines up slew of OTC offerings

Launches in nutrient and pain management segments on anvil

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila Healthcare plans to strengthen its product portfolio with the launch of over the counter (OTC) products in the nutrient and pain management segments.

"While our products under the consumer products division (CPD) are showing steady growth, we plan to add a few more products in the OTC segment. We have already a significant presence in pain management offerings, but these are all drugs to be sold under prescription. There is a significant opportunity in OTC pain management drugs," Pankaj R Patel, chairman and managing director, Zydus Cadila, said.

"While we are strengthening our presence in generics products by entering into overseas markets like France through our subsidiary, Zydus France SAS, we are also serious about the OTC segment in India that has been growing rapidly," said Patel.

In the CPD segment, Zydus has seven products under the Every Yuth brand which is targeted at women. These include skin vitaliser, sun block lotion, facial scrub, face wash, protective moisturiser etc.

It also has fat soaker Dietrim and sugar alternative Sugar Free. Sugar Free D'lite, which was launched about a year back, is a soft drink also targeting the calorie conscious consumers. Patel said the company's Penegra, the desi version of Viagra, is the market leader in its segment.

According to industry experts, the OTC market in India is pegged at Rs 2800 crore and it is expected to grow between 15-20 per cent in the next one year. The global OTC pharma market was estimated to be worth $73.7 billion in 2001 and is expected to grow to $107.5 billion by 2007.

Zydus Cadila Healthcare has recently signed two deals with an Italian and Australian major. Earlier this month, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Mayane Group, a player in speciality pharmaceuticals, for setting up a manufacturing joint venture company to explore opportunities for anti-cancer products and APIs in India.

Last month, Zydus entered into a marketing alliance with Zambon Group of Italy.