Johnson & Johnson (India) has entered the OTC (over-the-counter) category for the first time by launching Mylanta, an antacid. Till now, the US multinational's Indian subsidiary was only selling prescription drugs which contributed Rs two crore to its turnover last year. The company markets gastro intestinal, CNS and haematological products. New products in the prescription business include Nizoral for skin infections, Rhogam and iron supplements for Rh+ve women.
Mylanta has been launched in mint and orange flavours in the liquid form and as tablets. The product is an antacid and antigas containing two acid neutralising agents and an antiflatulent agent. Mylanta is already available in south India and will be now available in Calcutta.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has a presence in many sectors like prescription drugs, baby products and feminine hygiene products. The company markets brands like Stayfree, Carefree and Silky Dry sanitary napkins.
It led the napkin market till the early nineties, when Procter & Gamble entered with its Whisper brand.
Today, Whisper is the country's leading brand with over 50 per cent market share, while all three J&J brands have a market share of between 45 to 50 per cent.
