Anthrax Fever Grips Ciprofloxacin Makers

Bulk manufacturers of ciprofloxacin here are closely watching the demand for this major anti-bacterial drug in the context of the current reports of detection of cases of Anthrax across the globe.

India is a major producer of ciprofloxacin and meets most of the demand of the unregulated segment of the international market. Of the Indian exports, at least 65 percent is accounted for by bulk manufacturers located in Andhra Pradesh.

Ciprofloxacin is selling at Rs 1,200 per kg in the domestic market and $25-30 in the international market. However, a 500 mg dosage form of cipro costs about Rs 5-6 in the domestic market.

 

Though none of the Indian companies can export ciprofloxacin (either in the bulk form or dosage form) to the regulated markets, since the German pharma major Bayer's patent is valid till 2003 end, lot of demand will be generated from other parts of the world in case the disease spreads as scared, according to pharma industry sources here.

According to Venkat Jasti, president of Bulk Drug Manufacturers association (BDMA), about 35 companies in the country are producing ciprofloxacin bulk drug and 15 of them are located in Hyderabad. As far as, cipro formulation is concerned Ranbaxy, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla, Cadila and Torrent are brand leaders in the country, while a total number of 100 companies are involved in the manufacturing.

Dr Reddy's, Vorin, Aurobindo, Neuland, Matrix and Everest Organics are the largest producers of cipro bulk from Hyderabad. Some of these companies have the capacity to produce up to 300 tonnes per annum, if there price is attractive.

While Dr Reddy's has its own formulation brand, Vorin's production mainly meets the bulk requirement of Ranbaxy. Other companies sell in the domestic market, apart from exports to unregulated markets.

After selling at Rs 6,500 per kg in 1993-94, cipro bulk prices came down substantially to the present level with the entry of more and more number players in the market, thus supply exceeding the demand by manyfold.

Cipro bulk producers here however said that the increased demand for ciprofloxacin bulk drug is not yet felt in the market. Ciprofloxacin, perceived to be most effective anti-bacterial, was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for treatment of Anthrax.

"Indian bulk drug industry can rise to the occasion and supply to the world market if situation warrants and patent regulations permit", Venkat said.