Lupin plans new launches in Japan

Lupin Pharma is planning to launch new products in the high growth lifestyle disease segment in Japan through in-licensing opportunities. The Rs 2,212-crore company acquired a Japan-based firm, Kyowa Pharma, in October 2007.

Senior executives of Lupin said that the company was also looking to bring down operation cost at Kyowa Pharma through better procurement of inputs either from its Indian operations or other suitable avenues. Kyowa contributed around Rs 70 crore towards Lupin's revenues in the December 2007 quarter.

According to sources in Lupin, the company is evaluating options for another acquisition either in the domestic or overseas market. However, they declined to provide any specific details.

In the European Union (EU), the company generated $10 million (approximately Rs 40 crore) through formulation sales in the first nine months of 2007-08. It is currently waiting for approval from European regulators for 24 product submissions.

Meanwhile, in the December quarter, Lupin's consolidated operating profit (including other income) grew 160 per cent y-o-y to Rs 260 crore, while its total income rose 67 per cent to Rs 860.2 crore.

It received Rs 112.7 crore through the sale of patent rights for perindopril. Its operating profit margin rose 1,100 basis points y-o-y to 30.2 per cent in the previous quarter.