United Biotech eyes tie-ups in oncology division

New Delhi, Apr 8: Pharma company United Biotech's oncology division has tied up with Brazil's Blausiegel for its biotechnology products used in the treatment of cancer, while discussions are underway with four global pharma firms for strategic tie-ups in this division.

The company has invested Rs 15 crore in the new oncology division and has started a facility at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh specifically meant for this.

United Biotech Vice-President (Marketing) R K Dewan said, ''To funnel our short term growth plan in the oncology segment, we aim to tap the global oncology generics business opportunity worth 14 -15 billion dollars in the next five years.'' With the launch of this division, the company aims to manufacture and market molecules that are currently being exclusively marketed by multinationals and are priced almost 10 times higher than the pricing United Biotech will offer for the same products.

''Our long term growth plan in the oncology segment will come through new drug delivery systems (NDDS) being developed by our in-house scientists and supplementing its strength through alliances,'' he added.

United Biotech will follow multi-pronged strategies for its continuous growth across all therapeutic segments that it is currently in operation.

In addition to Indian healthcare reforms designed to reduce costs, there is an escalation of competition among both domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies, Mr Dewan said.

''However, we are determined to improve our business performance by introducing new products, expanding our product range while increasing market shares of our existing products,'' he stated.

UNI