The launch of its generic viral flu medicine in the US, and
its oncology & hepatitis C portfolio products in India brought Natco much
success last year
During the financial year 2016-17, Natco Pharma became the
first player to launch the generic version of Oseltamivir, a viral flu
medicine, in the US market, creating a milestone for the industry. In the same
year, the company’s oncology and hepatitis C portfolio products gained further
strength in the Indian market.
“We saw an accelerated growth during the financial year due
to Hepatitis C product growth in India and blockbuster launch of generic
Oseltamivir in the US,” said Rajeev Nannapaneni, vice-chairman and CEO of Natco
Pharma in the annual report of 2016-17 fiscal. “In formulations, new product
sales have shown very good momentum and have improved total sales revenue
significantly,” he added.
Going ahead, the company is looking at expanding its
footprint in India and making significant investment in R&D. “Our business
is driven by the scientific expertise of our R&D team and it forms the
pillar of our product development capabilities,” said Nannapaneni, who joined
the company in 2000. Currently 6-8 per cent of the company’s turnover is
invested towards R&D each year.
In FY16-17, Natco Pharma’s revenue stood at Rs 20,789
million, its profit after tax (after minority interest) at Rs 4,860 million and
its net worth was Rs 16,493 million.
Today, Natco Pharma is a leading player in India’s oncology
segment with 28 active brands. Its flagship brands include Geftinat, Erlonat,
Veenat and Sorafenat. The company has also heralded a new beginning in the gastro-hepatology
therapy segment. Last year, it forayed into a new therapy segment by launching
a Cardiology and Diabetology division.
“We are foraying into this segment with a clear objective to
align it with our brand promise of offering well-focused niche products to
consumers. We at Natco are encouraged by the growth opportunities the segment
has to offer for specialised molecules,” said Nannapaneni. The product launches
in the Hepatitis C basket have in fact helped the company gain a leading share
of the market in India. The company’s consolidated revenue in FY16- 17 from
Hepatitis C products grew to Rs 5,130 million, as opposed to Rs 3,412 million
in FY15-16.
Globally, its products reach over 40 countries including
North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, South East Asia and Middle East.
As the US business landscape is facing challenges in the
form of higher regulatory requirements, unfavourable pricing environment,
intense competition and threat of new entrants, the company is looking to drive
its long-term sustainability by enhancing its business opportunities in India
and emerging markets. This is a part of its de-risking strategy.
Natco’s journey to enter the US and other key global markets
started only about a decade ago. “We are cognisant of the immense growth
opportunity that the domestic market can offer us to build a stronger financial
profile,” said Nannapaneni adding that the company is looking to build its
domestic capacities over the next few months.
With India’s economic prosperity improving, drug
affordability and penetration of healthcare products and facilities will
witness a boom. According to IMS Health and AIOCD AWACS, the industry’s revenue
is expected to grow by 10-12 per cent CAGR over the next few years.
Natco Pharma was incorporated in Hyderabad in 1981 with an
initial investment of Rs 3.3 million. The company today has seven manufacturing
facilities spread across the country.
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