July 31, 2003

Sami Labs explores new overseas markets for herbal extracts



The Bangalore based Sami Labs, a major producer and exporter of standardised herbal extracts, fine chemicals and nutraceuticals is scouting for new markets in the overseas for its products under the herbal extracts division. The two new markets the company is eyeing at present are South America and Japan.

A totally integrated national pharma company and a world leader in standardised extracts, Sami Labs plans to fortify its herbal extracts division in the overseas market. The company also plans to launch two or three new products under its formulations division by the end of the month.

The division focussed on domestic market currently has eight products and has another eight products in pipeline. With market presence in Tamilnadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the company will shortly enter Madhya Pradesh and by the end of the year plans to put national distribution in place.

Sami Labs has developed a new and cost effective process for African sleeping sickness. ‘‘Two other molecules - one anti inflammatory and another for prostate care prevention are undergoing preclinical trials,’’ informed Dr Muhammed Majeed, the managing director. ‘‘We are looking at cardiovascular and diabetes at new areas of research,’’ he added.

The company’s expansion plans include setting up a major solid dosage forms facility for manufacturing nutraceuticals, cosmoceuticals and other dosage forms at its premises. The state-of-the-art facility estimated at Rs 68 crores will meet all overseas regulatory body approvals and be completed in another one year.

‘‘We are planing collaborative efforts with overseas companies for newer products and newer ideas in biotechnology. We have identified the partners and are in talks with them,’’ says Dr Majeed.

With a continued thrust on exports, Sami Labs aims to become Rs 300 crore company in the next two or three years. ‘‘This year our focus is on national level marketing,’’ Dr Majeed reveals.

The company which posted Rs 70 crore revenues this year has filed 10 new patents.

Vijaya K
Bangalore