The growth drive

INTERVIEW: Jayaram Chigurupati

'We will be the first company to launch IL-2 in India'

It's an exciting time for Zenotech Labs as it is building its base to take advantage of the evolving regulatory environment. Dr Jayaram Chigurupati, Chairman, Zenotech Laboratories Ltd, says that the effort is to make it a globally acknowledged entity in its space. There are some exciting developments brewing at your end, can you talk about these?

We are the first company to launch a generic version of GM-CSE. GM-CSF along with G-CSF will enable oncologists to choose appropriate drug when treating cancer patients. Again, we will be the first company to launch IL-2 in India used for treating renal cell carcinoma, and we have initiated clinical development of generic rituximab, a generic monoclonal antibody used for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These and several other generic monoclonal antibodies are all being developed by its internal R&D team that are likely to propel us to be a formidable player in the industry.

The company has operationalised a US FDA approved biologics manufacturing facility. This facility will not only enable us to produce generic biologics from E.coli and mammalian cell cultures, but also formulate them in the fill-finish facility.

Meanwhile, as part of our future plan, we are already present in anesthesiology therapy by launching several injectables, and are now seeking to lead in the space by adding more products in the coming months.

Going forward, we are initiating clinical developments of G-CSF for European Union through a strategic collaboration and will also look at filing ANDA in the US for non-cytotoxic injectables. In fact, the company has already received marketing and manufacturing approval for GM-CSF (Innovator brand: Leucomax by Novartis) and G-CSF (Neupogen by Amgen / Roche) biotech products.

Both the products are used by oncology specialists to treat neutropenia in cancer patients. The company is launching both the products in India in the next few days.

The company seeks to grow by building a formidable place in specialty injectables across its entire product range; from generic pharmaceutical drugs to biopharmaceuticals. The synergies between these two areas will help in fast expansion of business in the domestic and international markets. It plans to achieve this growth by setting up world class manufacturing facilities and promoting in house development of different technology platforms.

How has the tie up with Ranbaxy helped?

Ranbaxy Laboratories has taken a 10 per cent stake in our company. While this sort of development may be new to our country, but its common practice for companies in other markets. There are benefits for both, it gives Ranbaxy a presence in generic biopharmaceuticals, while we get to acquire softer skills. They help us with their suggestions when it comes to issues like how to file for US FDA approvals, negotiations etc. They already have a knowledge base which we can tap into, allowing us in the process to become more efficient.

What's your mantra for SME growth in this field?

We are a specialty player with a very focused niche, which most big companies do not have. That's why Ranbaxy has chosen to tie up with us. In fact, there are very few injectible player in the world. So small companies need to develop that kind of strength in specific areas then there is no problem at all.

What is your biggest challenge to growth today?

The business is not rocket science, basically one need to execute business orders efficiently. Of course, funding is an issue. But a consistent execution of business model holds all the challenge and is, eventually the key to success.