INDIAN BIOTECHS EYE OFF-PATENT WINDFALL
India's biotech industry could reap the benefits as 11 blockbuster drugs lose
patent protection in 2006. Major products facing patent expiry include anaemia
treatment Epogen and insulin products Novolin and Humulin.
India's Export-Impact Bank estimates that the products could be worth as much
as US$13.5bn to the global sector, with Indian players well positioned to take
a sizeable share. India also hopes that its well-developed, low-cost environment
will attract leading biogenerics manufacturers looking to outsource production.
Indian biotech exports were worth US$451mn in 2005. The domestic generics market
is valued at some US$3.3bn, but Indian companies are increasingly pursuing opportunities
in emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Africa, where
demand for low-cost medicines is strong.
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