The Hindu Business Line : Merck Sharp to launch patented drug for diabetes

MERCK Sharp & Dohme (MSD) India (subsidiary of US-based Merck & Co) is hoping to launch its patented drug used for diabetes in India in the next two-three years.

Along with this, it will also initiate clinical studies for two drugs in the country, as part of its research and development (R&D) plans for the country.

Speaking to newspersons, Mr Murali Parthasarthy, Head of Marketing, MSD India, said, "We are currently in the Phase III trial for a diabetes molecule in India and hope to launch it in late 2007." He further said that the Indian entity has got approval to commence clinical studies for two molecules here. The company is now planning to identify a clinical research organisation (CRO) here and finalise the sites for studies.

MSD India is currently marketing two products in India and plans to launch two more in the anti-fungal and antibiotics segment soon. It is also looking at expanding its field force next year and is open to forging marketing alliances with both domestic and multinational companies here. Internationally Merck has alliances with Bristol Myers Squibb, Schering Plough and some others to market different products. These could be taken forward in India too.

It has tied up with Baxter India to market the latter's Viaflex, a self collapsible, IV fluid bag along with a mono vial, which contains antibiotic Imimpenem. According to Mr Vidhu Goel, Head of Marketing, Baxter India, "Baxter Supplies Viaflex bags in 100 ml sizes, which couple with the mono vial avoiding the usage of syringes, needles and so on. The bag, which can be directly administered to the patient, avoids multiple manipulations reducing changes of medication error and contamination."

Both the companies are in talks with various public and private sector hospitals and healthcare delivery centres across the country to use the vial to avoid the risk of contamination, infection and related complications, he said. Mr Parthasarathy said, "We approach the hospitals and offer them to deliver the antibiotic drug along with the vials."

Baxter plans

Baxter India hopes to double its turnover from the current Rs 250 crore to Rs 500 crore in the next three years. According to Mr Goel, the company is hoping to market premixed IV fluids in India in a big way.

Currently, it has about three such products and hopes to expand its portfolio. "These help in reducing medical risks by over 50 per cent," he added.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
TI Cycles eyes fitness equipment market

Merck Sharp to launch patented drug for diabetes

Clarification

Cabinet okays changes for governing accounting bodies

`Introduction of uniform accounting standards, need of the hour'

SCI employees to seek shares at a discount

AP Paper Mills plans expansion

Mahindra inks deal with US co to make trucks, buses in India

Iron ore terminal — Sical to form jt venture with L&T, MMTC

Eureka Forbes, Swiss co Lux form jt venture

International Truck to use Mahindra joint venture for exports

`Second half will be better for vehicle biz'

Branson bullish on prospects in India

Falling crude prices hit MRPL refining margin

Rane group takes CMIE help to forecast market trends

126 cos saved Rs 450 cr a year through energy saving measures: CII