The Hindu Business Line : Dabur Pharma Q2 net up 46 pc

Dabur Pharma Ltd has reported growth of 46 per cent in net profit to Rs 6.96 crore for the second quarter ended September, against Rs 4.77 crore for the corresponding previous period.

Net sales were at Rs 97.79 crore, up 33.55 per cent from Rs 73.23 crore earlier.

Mr Ajay K. Vij, COO, credited the "good topline growth figures" to a better product mix and the "good business done in high-value markets like Russia and getting entrenched in existing strong markets."

The company, which has maintained a tight focus in the area of oncology drugs, believes that it's what gives a company of its size (comparatively smaller to other pharma giants in the country) the advantage.

"We are number one (in oncology) in India, and Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines as well. And this is the fastest growing therapeutic category in the world, growing in excess of 15 per cent. We expect this growth to continue in the foreseeable future, and as a specialist we expect to gain and retain dominant market share."

The company recently received its first ANDA approval for Carboplatin and hopes to roll out the anti-cancer drug in the US in 30-45 days.

Mr Vij estimated the US market for Carboplatin at $100 million.

Dabur has four ANDA filings pending. The company is open to acquisitions to increase marketing and distribution and geographical reach. "Given the size of our balance sheet, funding will not be an issue," said Mr Vij.

The company refused to comment on what it called "media speculations" that it was considering selling its non-core business in anti-diabetes, digestive, cardiovascular and other drugs to Nicholas Piramal.