Lupin: Likely to benefit from Japan's crisis

Japanese subsidiary Kyowa Pharma to see increased sales of anti-infective and CNS drugs.

In 2007, Lupin acquired Japanese pharma company Kyowa Pharma, which came with a portfolio of over 200 brands. The company ranks seventh in the generic segment in Japan and enjoys a leadership position in neurology, with over 95 products covering 1,297 hospitals in Japan.

Pharma analysts believe the recent crises in Japan could well benefit Lupin, which has introduced 10 new generics about two years ago in the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market (Japan). Consequently, almost 11 per cent of the company’s total revenue comes from its Japanese subsidiary. Kyowa plans to launch at least four to five products every year.

According to analysts, Lupin believes Japan is going to witness a rise in health problems related to gastro-intestinal, post-traumatic care and infections. Kyowa, which is a market leader in the central nervous system (CNS) segment, would benefit in case there is a rise in the demand for such drugs. Apart from the CNS segment, the company also has a variety of products in the anti-infective and gastro-intestinal categories, too. In view of the crisis, the company would have to lower the cost of drugs, but with active pharmaceutical ingredient supply coming from India, the overall margin would be healthy from the region.

Kyowa has grown nearly 21 per cent in 2009-10 and has a portfolio of over 200 brands marketed through its strong sales team. With Kyowa based in Sanda, southern Japan, the facility as well as the 355 personnel staff has not been unaffected by the natural calamity. But the opportunity in Japan is not limited to the crisis alone.

According to a research report by Sharekhan, Japan is the second largest market for pharmaceutical products after the USA and the generic market is expected to grow at about 9-13 per cent to $8-11 billion. “Given their established presence, Ranbaxy Laboratories and Lupin are expected to be the major winners who can tap the Japanese opportunity,” the report adds.