Glenmark to ramp up respiratory business with new inhaler

Glenmark is ramping up its respiratory business with the launch of an inhaler which alerts asthma patients on low dosage. The drug maker launched the country's first digital dose inhaler today and plans to launch an another inhaler over next six months. Glenmark claims that the new inhaler launched today gives a far more accurate indication of dosage levels than existing metered dose inhalers.

The market for respiratory drugs in India is pegged at around Rs 7,000 crore with formulations and cough syrups accounting for bulk of the share. Other categories include inhalers and nebulisers.

"Respiratory business contributes around 15% of our Indian business. We are seeing growth in upwards of 20% in this segment and we aim to achieve the same growth this year," said Sujesh Vasudevan, president and head of formulations of India and Africa, Glenmark. Cough syrups contribute a big share to the company's respiratory portfolio while the share of inhalers is smaller. Vasudevan hopes to double the sales of inhalation products with the launch of the new product today.

"We are conducting trials and have sought the Drug Controller General of India's approval to introduce a new inhaler. We hope to launch it in six months," he added.

Cipla is a market leader in inhalation category in the domestic market. Other companies with significant presence in the segment include GSK Pharmaceuticals and Lupin.