“Over the Next 2-3 Years We Will Leverage Developmental Capabilities and Explore In-licensing and a Co-development Model to Consolidate Our Presence in Japan” – Dr. Kailash Sharma, President, Japan Operations, Zydus Cadila

TOKYO, July 30 /PRNewswire/ — With a business plan to launch 8-10 new
products each year, Nippon Universal Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of
the Zydus group, one of India’s leading integrated pharma companies & a
global healthcare provider, is looking to give a big boost to its operations
in the Japanese generic market which is still evolving. While the total
pharma market in Japan is estimated at $ 60 bn the generic market is only
about 6% of this in value terms and just 18% in volume, which is very low
compared to highly genericised markets like USA and Europe. The awareness of
generics in Japan is comparatively low and generics are still largely
perceived as cheaper, low quality alternatives to patented drugs. The
nationwide promotion and awareness campaign regarding the safety and efficacy
of generics however is expected to change this perception and usage in future.

Zydus was one of the few Indian companies to make an early foray in the
Japan generic market. In 2007, the group acquired Nippon Universal, a small
generic company which now spearheads the group’s operations in Japan.

“Our aim clearly is to support the government’s stated objective of
increasing generic penetration in order to cope up with ever increasing
health expenditures. Over the next 2-3 years we will leverage developmental
capabilities and explore in-licensing and a co-development model to
consolidate our presence in Japan“, said Dr. Kailash Sharma, the newly
appointed President to spearhead operations in Japan.

Being one of the few pharma professionals who can combine research,
strategy and marketing expertise, Dr. Kailash Sharma is much sought after.
Dr. Kailash Sharma with over 13 years of experience in the Japan’s pharma
industry will be steering the group’s operations in this crucial growth
phase. With a doctorate in Cell & Molecular Biology from Kurume University
Medical School, Japan and an Executive MBA from Temple University,
Philadelphia, USA, Dr. Sharma has earlier worked with Eisai, Nippon
Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi – Aventis, Japan and has successfully managed
the core functions in all phases of drug development cycles. Last but not
least, being in Japan for about 20 years, first as a doctorate researcher and
then as a pharmaceutical professional, Dr. Sharma is very well familiar and
have respect for Japanese culture, legal system, quality standards,
regulatory guidelines and business practices in Japan.

With a focus on quality medicines, Nippon Universal will be leveraging
Zydus’ capabilities in oral solids, injectables, biosimilars etc. While
ramping up the product pipeline is important, the group’s strategy would be
more country specific and focus on the unmet needs in the Japanese market.
elaborating on the group’s approach, Dr. Sharma said “We believe that there
is a growing need for high quality, affordable therapies while reducing the
healthcare cost burden. We are looking to combine expertise with
adaptability. Understanding specific market needs and backing it up with
customer centric approach will form the core of our strategy.” The group
plans to post sales of Yen 20 billion in Japan by 2015.

SOURCE Zydus Cadila