Pfizer to Make Indian Unit Major Animal Health R&D Centre

Pfizer Ltd., the Indian affiliate of the US-based drug major, is to turn its facility in Turbhe, Mumbai, into a leading R&D hub for animal healthcare products. The unit, which currently houses a manufacturing plant and a small laboratory, will be significantly expanded for the purpose.

India's market leader in animal health products is UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline, although Pfizer India notably signed an animal health marketing alliance with German chemicals giant Bayer in November 2003. Meanwhile, the company is expecting its new research requirements from its US parent, as the multinational sector continues to await ratification of the country's new intellectual property law.