Knoll To Stress On Prescription Drugs

Knoll Pharma, the Rs 249-crore pharma subsidiary of Knoll AG, is re-structuring its marketing operations for greater focus on prescription drugs.

Lenbrook Pharma, its wholly owned subsidiary, is slated to start operations from July this year and will focus entirely on marketing speciality drugs, while Knoll will concentrate on prescription drugs. As a first move in this direction, there are plans to increase the field force of Lenbrook to 160-170.

While Knoll Pharma will continue marketing medicines like Digene, Brufen, Ribufen and Mixtard, marketing of medicines like CNS drugs, cardiovasculars and gynecological products will be done by Lenbrook Pharma.

Pharma analysts said the new arrangement will lead to more contribution from the speciality category. At present, this segment is being handled by Magnus, a division of Knoll.

 

While company executives said six to seven products are to be marketed by Lenbrook, pharma analysts said Knoll Pharma does not have many speciality medicine brands and it will have to acquire some brands to strengthen its portfolio.

Epilex, which was acquired by Knoll from Reckitt Colman, is expected to be marketed by Lenbrook. Isoptin, a cardio-vascular, taken back by Knoll Pharma from German Remedies, will also be marketed by Lenbrook.

Besides, Eptoin, an anti-epileptic and Flowpent, a cardio-vascular, are expected to be shifted to Lenbrook for marketing.

Knoll has another 100 per cent subsidiary called Valencia Pharmaceuticals, which is a dormant company. Its third subsidiary, Beem Healthcare, is marketing over-the-counter (OTC) products. Beem Healthcare could be wound up if Knoll Pharma decides to sell off the remaining OTC brands.

Industry sources said the move is part of Knoll Pharma's plans to focus on prescription products while reducing the over-the-counter turnover. It has already sold off two OTC brands, Coldarin and Burnol, and other OTC brands like Strepsils and Sweetex will be taken back by Boots Plc after the licence for these products expires.