Pharma Link plans more marketing tie-ups

Pharma Link, a joint venture of leading pharmaceutical support service provider Interpharma Asia-Pacific and global contract research services major Quintiles Inc, is wooing drug manufacturers of the developed world to expand their market base beyond their traditional strongholds.

The company, which does $50 million worth of business for its international clients in India alone, is expecting to take up marketing responsibilities of pharmaceutical products for several more companies. It is already conducting market feasibility studies for some European and Japanese pharmaceutical companies.

Akshaya Nath, executive director, Pharma Link (Indian operations), said, "The time is ripe for foreign pharmaceutical companies to tap the Asian markets in a big way. With TRIPS in the implementation stage, it is the right attraction for global "� big as well as small pharma, biotech companies to be in India. Statistical progressions highlight the tremendous growth potential of the Indian pharmaceutical market which every company would like to be a part of at this growth stage. By signing up with us, these companies are getting readymade marketing platforms in 13 countries." Nath said.

It was in January 2006, that Quintiles Transnational Corporation announced its joint venture partnership with Interpharma Asia-Pacific and Temasek Holdings with an investment totaling $112 million. Quintile's pharma marketing arm Innovex was transformed into Pharma Link India.

"The JV has been formed and the organisation covers South Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. It is offering regulatory consultancy, market feasibility studies, in-licensing business, brand acquisition, contract sales teams and sales training. The company has a 600 strong workforce in India," Nath added.

Interestingly, it is not just the new entrants who are interested in outsourcing their marketing services. Novartis is among the pharma majors who have found business opportunities in outsourcing marketing services even in areas where they have a direct presence.

Novartis markets as many as 16 brands through Pharma Link in India.

Pharma Link is also into acquiring drug brands "� Pfizer's Pyridium being an instance. "Well-known brands, though discarded by parent companies, have good market potential," Nath feels.