By
Darlington Jose Hector
Times News Network
Bangalore:
The Rs. 70-crore Sami Labs, a Bangalore-based nutraceutical and cosmeceutical
fir, which has thus far remained largely an export-oriented outfit catering
to multinationals, is laying out plans to become a national player.
In
a move that would pit it against the likes of Hindustan Lever; Emami
and Himalaya, Sami Labs will be using its cosmeceutical (ingredients
with medicinal properties) expertise to launch a brand of cosmetic products
in the indian market later this year. Its range of nutraceutical products
will also be taken national over the next few months.
Muhammed
Majeed, managing director; Sami Labs, said the company was already a
big supplier of cosmeceuticals to global cosmetics companies like Avon
and Estee Lauder. "We plan to use this expertise, as also our continuing
research in the area, to develop cosmetics. We'll come out with unique
products," he said. The products will be in areas like wrinkle-conditioning,
treatment of dark circles and maintenance of skin texture.
Majeed
is now in the process of deciding whether to take the multilevel marketing
or FMCG route to enter the cosmeceutical pool.
In
the area of pharmaceuticals, the company is ready with a low-cost molecule
for the sleeping sickness drug eflornithine. Sami Labs claims it can
make the drug available for $600-700/kg, against the prevailing international
prices of $7,000-8,000/kg. Majeed is currently holding talks with WHO
for introducing the drug in Africa, where the drug is most needed.
Sami
Labs, which has patented three molecules so far, plans to set up a dedicated
pharmaceutical wing in a year or two.