Nicholas planning to start production of codeine

Drug maker Nicholas Piramal is planning to start production of a narcotic, codeine, used in various drugs after its first quarter results were dented because of its non-availability.

The production of the narcotic is controlled by the centre, but there are moves to allow private sector players to start manufacturing codeine. The two government factories manufacturing the product have been forced to stop production due to fire at its units.

"Nicholas Piramal has submitted expression of interest for manufacture of the narcotic, and is awaiting grant of licence," Swati Piramal, director, Nicholas Piramal told PTI.

Besides Nicholas Piramal, there are 20 other companies, including Pfizer, that dependens on codeine, and many players have evinced interest for its production.

"If we get the licence to manufacture codeine, we can do it for the entire domestic requirement," Piramal added.