Lupin plans expansion, eyes product purchase in chronic and acute therapy

In a bid to strengthen its presence in therapy areas such as dermatology and anti-infectives, pharmaceutical major Lupin is eyeing product acquisitions in the same. The fifth-largest Indian pharma company also plans to grow its product portfolio on the back of investment in research and development (R&D) for India-specific products.

“Acquisitions are always on the cards. But, we will look at only those acquisitions which fit into our strategic thinking. In certain therapy areas, we are not strong. So, if there are some acquisitions in such areas such as dermatology, we will look into them. We are not in a hurry. If something good comes, which fits into our strategic focus, we will look into it,” said Rajeev Sibal, president — IRF, Lupin. 

Having grown in the first half of FY19 on the chronic therapy sales, Lupin will continue to focus on the same, Sibal told Business Standard. Lupin already draws around 58 per cent of its domestic sales from such sales — better than the industry average of 36 per cent. The rest comes from acute therapies.  

Chronic therapies refer to drugs for ailments which are chronic in nature such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. “We are very strong in therapy areas. We are going to consolidate three therapy areas, including diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular. Apart from that, we are also putting lot of focus on gastrointestinal, dermatology and gynaecology. So, we will move into the direction of therapy areas important to us,” added Sibal.

On regulatory challenges, Sibal said pricing and National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), apart from fixed-dose combination (FDC) drug ban by the Centre were some being faced by the industry. “But in FDC, we had a minimum impact of just Rs 260 million. We are very strong in in-licensing the product and are working on it to have more products in pur pipeline. Today, we are one of the most successful companies, when it comes to partnering with multi-national companies (MNCs).” Apart from in-licensing capabilities being worked upon, Lupin is also going to spend on R&D to outperform the Indian market. 

“Earlier new products used to be too many. But, now due to regulations, new product pipeline in the industry is shrinking. But, we are very well placed in terms of in-licensing and R&D to develop novel combinations or novel products for the Indian market, he said.”

ON A GROWTH PATH

On acquisitions

Acquisitions are always on the cards. But, we will look at only those acquisitions which fit into our strategic thinking. In certain therapy areas, we are not strong. So, if there are some acquisitions in such areas such as dermatology, we will look into them

On product pipeline

Earlier new products used to be too many. But, now due to regulations, new product pipeline in the industry is shrinking. But, we are very well placed in terms of in-licensing and R&D to develop novel combinations or novel products for the Indian market