Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals is engaged in drug discovery in therapeutic segments.

Addressing shareholders at its AGM, Raghavendra Rao, Chairman, said the segments include diabetes, inflammation, cancer, auto immune disorders, anti infectives and obesity.

“We are engaged in transitioning our new chemical entities through various stages of pre-clinical and human clinical studies.’’

Based on the successful completion of the trials, the company wants to enter into out-licensing arrangements with multinational pharma companies.

Key product verticals have been witnessing increased competition in the regulated markets, thereby yielding lower margins from partners, Rao told shareholders.

A hardening interest rate, especially for domestic loans, led to higher interest outflow last year, he said.

“These factors lowered the profitability compared to the previous fiscal.’’

Rao expects the current year too to be flat on account of continuing pressure on margins.

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