Natco Pharma to Expand Global Footprint, Eyes Singapore, China, Canada Markets

Natco Pharma to Expand Global Footprint, Eyes Singapore, China, Canada Markets

As part of its de-risking strategy, Natco Pharma Ltd, is stepping up presence in non-US markets such as Latin America, Singapore, China and Canada.

The move aims at moderating the company’s US business as a proportion of international revenue, which grew a significant 50 per cent in FY14 over the previous fiscal.

“Setting up presence in Brazil, China, Australia, Singapore and Canada is part of expanding our international footprint. For oncology products, China is a potential market and we have some second filings. In next 2-3 years, our pathway to China market should further strengthen,” Rajesh, Vice President, Business Development, Natco Pharma told Express.

Similarly, in Singapore, the company is growing its regulatory filings, which should translate into business in few quarters to come.

He added that the company was counting on 3-5 niche molecules, which are likely to contribute significantly, given the regulatory approvals are in place.

“We are strengthening our product pipeline through the prudent selection of some blockbuster drugs including Copaxone, which alone has a market potential of multi-billion dollars,” said Rajesh. Copaxone is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Besides, Natco is also lining up products like Revlimid, a multiple myeloma drug, Tamiflu, an oral antiviral for the treatment variants of influenza A and B and Nuvigil, used to treat excessive sleepiness.

Meanwhile, Natco’s domestic business grew by 26 per cent at Rs 204 crore including oncology business that grew by 17 per cent. The Rs  2,000-crore Indian oncology market is expected to reach Rs 2,900 crore by end-2015. The market potential of Natco’s existing product portfolio in India stands at Rs 600 crore, and is growing more than 20 per cent every year.

Overall, oncology, is one of the biggest segments, with over 45 per cent contribution to the company’s revenue. Over the years, the oncology product range grew from 6 in 2003-04 to 19 in 2008-09 to 27 in 2013-14.

The company is planning to commence operations at its Guwahati plant by March 2015.