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ANLON Lifesciene requires Medical Representatives

Anlon Lifescience Private Limited, formulation division of Anlon Group is into research, develop, manufacture, and market new medicines, nutraceuticals and cosmetics of high quality at affordable price for patients across the globe. Anlon Lifescience is multi dimensional modern pharmaceutical company with profound manufacturing skills, in-depth marketing strategic insight and leading exporter for healthcare products.

Anlon Lifescience Private Limited has state-of-the-art formulation manufacturing units, adhering to international standards and regulations. With in deep scientific knowledge, Anlon Lifescience Private Limited ensures that medicines are formulated from highest quality API and Excipients. With sound technical knowledge Anlon Lifescience Private Limited ensures that all formulations are up to the standard in size, shape, weight, color and related physical properties. Anlon Lifescience Private Limited periodically upgrades technology, automated machines and instruments to match up to exponential global demand of formulations.

Anlon Lifescience is hiring talented, enthusiastic, self-motivated and ambitious individuals for the post of Medical Representatives for following cities in Gujarat:

·         Ahmedabad -2 posts

·         Bhuj -1 post

·         Surat -2 posts

·         Valsad -1 post

·         Baroda-1 post

Salary (CTC): Upto Rs 2.5 lacs / Annum + DA+ TA

Interested candidate can forward their resume to info@anlonlifescience.com

To know more about Anlon Lifescience, please log on to: www.anlonlifescience.com

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MoU between India and Indonesia may boost pharma export from India, says Anlon

Rajkot (Gujarat, India), Friday, July 20, 2018: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India and National Agency for Drug and Food Control (BPOM), Indonesia on cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical substances, biological product and cosmetics regulatory functions. The MoU was on signed on May 29, 2018 in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Rajkot based pharmaceutical startup said that the MoU is expected to forge better understanding about each other's regulatory requirements and would be beneficial to both the countries. It could also facilitate India's export of pharmaceutical products to Indonesia.

Government information said that it will establish a framework for fruitful cooperation and exchange of information between the two countries in matters relating to Pharmaceutical products regulation on the basis for equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. Further, it will facilitate better understanding between the regulatory authorities of the two countries.

The CDSCO is a Subordinate Office of the Directorate General of Health Services, which is an attached office of the Department of Health and Family Welfare and is the National Regulatory Authority for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics in India. The BPOM regulates these products in Indonesia. Approval of the Hon'ble Prime Minister had been obtained under Rule 12 of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 for signing the MoU by CDSCO (India) and BPOM (Indonesia).

The development comes as a breather for Indian pharmaceutical companies which are dependent export to US market. With the erosion of Drug price in the US market, a major export destination for Indian companies, many Indian APIs and Intermediate manufacturers felt the heat.

According to media reports published in the Hindu BusinessLine, price erosion in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal was around 8-10 per cent and this is expected to continue in the current financial year. The pricing pressure is the result of customer consolidation and recent measures by the US government to lower drug prices for customers. An analysis of the industry numbers will give a sense of the scale of the price erosion and the adverse impact it has had on the businesses.

According to Mr. Rasadia, when the export to US market is under pressure, Indian pharma companies are looking for export opportunities with other countries. Now, sanctioning of the MoU between India and Indonesia would definitely benefit Indian pharma companies, he added.

To know more about Anlon, please log on to: www.anlon.in

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China again announces of removing import duty on drugs from India China agrees to slash import duty on Cancer drugs from India. Chinese authorities have announced of slashing import duties on drugs from India twice in as many months. Removing import duty on drugs from India is to reduce bilateral trade deficit or to mitigate need of medicines in China. Answers Punit Rasadia, Managing Director, Anlon Recently, Spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced that India and China have reached an agreement on reduction of tariffs on the import of Indian medicines, particularly cancer drugs, to China. Briefing the media persons in Beijing on July 9, the Spokesperson told that China and India have reached agreement on the reduction of tariffs on medicines. The Spokesperson also added that believe expansion of imports and slashing of tariffs on anti-cancer medicines will also usher in great opportunities for India and other countries in the region. Just before two months, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui twitted a message saying China has exempted import tariffs (duties) for 28 drugs, including all cancer drugs, from May 1st. "Good news for India’s pharmaceutical industry and medicine export to China. I believe this will help reduce trade imbalance between China and India in the future,” the Chinese Ambassador said. Now, while reading all these communications, I believe there is a context on announcements on why Chinese government become so sympathetic and decided to slash import duty on 28 drugs including cancer drugs from India. To answer this, let us consider following points. Increasing number of cancer patients in China According to a news report by Reuters, experts with the China Academy of Medical Sciences said lung cancer was rising rapidly in groups not normally susceptible to the disease, including women and non-smokers, suggesting that smoking was not responsible for the increase. An estimated 300 million Chinese people are smokers, but the paper said there had been a rapid increase in a form of lung cancer that develops deep in the lung and is not associated with tobacco use. About 4.3 million people are diagnosed with cancer annually in China, according to a report of the state-run China Central Television. Cancer is responsible for around a quarter of Chinese deaths, and has become a massive burden on the country’s medical system. Pollution is the culprit for growth of cancer in China China has been waging a battle against hazardous air pollution, with concentrations of small, breathable particles known as PM2.5 frequently exceeding 300 micrograms per cubic metre in industrialised regions, the report by Reuters informed. In 2016, national average stood at 47 micrograms, with only a quarter of cities meeting the country’s official air quality guideline of 35 micrograms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends levels of no more than 10 micrograms. Several local studies have also established links between cancer and air pollution. Research published last year by the Hebei Medical University showed that lung cancer mortality rates in the province - known as China’s most polluted. Water pollution and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has also been blamed for an increase in rural cancer rates. A study published by the British Medical Journal said China could prevent three million premature deaths a year if it raised air quality to meet WHO guidelines. Crackdown on polluting industries The Chinese government acknowledged the problem that environmental pollution had contributed to a surge of cancer cases in the country and decided to tackle cancer by enforcing stringent pollution control norms and series of laws and regulations to protect environment. A major push to root out industrial polluters systematically began in 2017. Chinese Government inspectors fanned out through industrial areas, closing plants, fining companies, and in some cases jailing plant operators for air and water pollution. It is widely reported that operations at nearly 40 per cent of Chinese factories in 30 industrial provinces have been interrupted or forced to shut down. Disturbed domestic drug supply chain As 40 per cent of Chinese factories in 30 industrial provinces in China have been forced to shut down and many Chinese bulk drug manufacturers have been issued warning letters for violating quality norms, pharma companies which are into formulations are facing a severe shortage of raw materials and other ingredients. The domestic supply chain in China has gone for a toss. US FDA is keeping a close vigil on operational factories forcing Chinese manufacturers to adopt international GMP norms. Demand-Supply Gap On one hand number of cancer patients are increasing, domestic drug supply chain is totally disturbed and collapsed leaving Chinese authorities to explore no other options but to slash import duties on oncology drugs from India. Though many may argue that there is a trade deficit between India and China and recent announcement to slash import tariff on drugs are nothing but a measure to reduce bilateral trade deficit. India has been demanding opening of China's IT and pharmaceutical sectors as part of measures to reduce over USD 51 billion trade deficit in over USD 84 billion bilateral trade. Whatever the case may be, the fact is China needs Oncology (Cancer) drugs and that too immediately to save Chinese populations. There are many Indian pharma companies which are into Onco drug productions. Obviously, cancer drugs manufacturing pharmaceutical companies would get benefited with the opening up of cancer drug import policy of Chinese government. (The author of this article is the Managing Director of Anlon and can be reached at media [at] anlon [dot] in. To know more about Anlon, please visit: www.anlon.in)

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Anlon Healthcare: working hard for healthier tomorrow

To harness the strength of technology and research into becoming a leading global pharmaceutical company that delivers maximum consumer satisfaction.

Innovation is seen what everybody has seen and thinking of what nobody has thought. Change is called for an innovation and innovation leads to progress. With this very approach to change what is compelling, inclusive and visionary – Anlon seeks to drive efficiency and productivity while delivering great results.

Our one and only mission is to deliver exceptional performance by developing and providing innovative healthcare products that lead to healthier and productive lives.

Anlon Healthcare is a research intensive manufacturing unit of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and drug intermediates. We were established in the year 2009 to manufacture and to cater to the healthcare industry. Our manufacturing facility is located on Rajkot – Gondal Highway, National Highway – 27 (NH 27). This makes it easily approachable from commercial capital of India, Mumbai and economic capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad.

Our manufacturing facility is equipped with high precession instruments that build quality at every stage of the process. Both the blocks - Pharma Block and Intermediate block –use state-of-the-art machinery to meet the global standards. 

Our ultramodern manufacturing facilities comply with regulatory requirements of leading health authorities such as FDA, PMDA, KFDA, EDQM, cGMP and World Health Organization (WHO) in accordance with various national and international standards.

Accuracy and precession are guaranteed owning to the high-tech and sophisticated instruments. The intermediate manufacturing facility is well-equipped with reactors capable of handing high reaction volumes. These reactors come with the capacity varying from 500 to 4000 liters which makes its capacity go upto 65,000 liters.

We have dedicated labs to perform quality checks which are well equipped with high-end technology and instruments such as HPLC, GC, HSGC, UV and IR Spectrometer, Digital Polari Meter, Bulk Density Apparatus and Stability Chambers. It has a robust system of sampling and differentiating products. The routine raw material undergoes an extensive process of product sampling.  After the immense quality check, the finished goods are transferred to the warehouse which stores all the products in a controlled temperature storage.

Anlon’s production capacity has continued to play a key role in shaping up the enviable reputation of the company. This large amount of production capacities, makes it possible for Anlon to deliver high quality and affordable products to countries such as Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Anlon being a knowledge and research driven pharmaceutical company takes care of talent and training management of its employees. A dedicated training and development unit runs specialized training programme to develop and enhance professional skills of the personnel.

Anlon is committed in its endeavour to protect the planet by adhering to the best waste management and recycling facilities in compliance with Environment, Health and Safety regulations.

We are Anlon Healthcare, working hard for healthier tomorrow.

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Closed Chinese factories, soaring Dollar rate Indian Pharma Cos experience double blows

Rajkot (Gujarat, India), Monday, July 16, 2018: Indian pharmaceutical industry is passing through turbulence phase created because of two external phenomenons – closure of Chinese factories and soaring dollar exchange rate with INR, said Anlon.

Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Rajkot based pharmaceutical startup, Anlon, said that Indian pharma companies having dependency on importing raw material from China are facing biggest problem. Nearly 40 per cent of Chinese factories in 30 industrial provinces have been forced to shut down as part of government’s whip on polluting industries.

According to data released by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, China accounted for 66 per cent of India's total active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) imports in 2016-17 at Rs 12,254.97 crore. Bulk drug import from China stood at Rs 13,853 crore in 2015-16, accounting for 65.2 per cent of the total import.

Though the Government of India is considering a scheme for development of pharmaceutical industry under which one of the components is financing common facilities in bulk drug parks to reduce cost of production and dependency on China for APIs and intermediates but there is no news of the scheme yet, Mr. Rasadia lamented, “but it is a right opportunity for India to develop common facilities for APIs in India with cheap rate and ensuring good quality to reduce over dependency on import from China,” he added.

Apart from impact of closed pharmaceutical factories in China, he said, soaring Dollar price is also giving a big blow to Indian Pharmaceuticals industries. Currently Dollar to Indian Rupee exchange rate is hovering between Rs 67 to Rs 69 and very likely to touch Rs 70 mark very soon. “If Dollar-INR exchange rate touches Rs 70 or exceeds beyond psychological mark of Rs 70, invariably medicine prices will increase impacting general public who has to pay more for same medicine,” Mr. Rasadia informed adding if the rupee depreciation (against the dollar) persists, then there could be a long-term pain for the industry as well as consumers.

Commenting on the solution, Mr. Rasadia said, only long-term and robust planning is the only remedy to problems of this magnitude. He said, to face these challenges, Government of India should provide financial assistance to eligible SME pharma units having cGMP compliant manufacturing facilities both for bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations. Also, government should expedite the scheme to develop common facilities for APIs in India.

To know more about Anlon, please log in to: www. anlon.in

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Anlon launches gel based Torrid Plus for instant pain relief

Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India), Wednesday, July 4, 2018: Keeping the football fever on during the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Rajkot based pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon Lifescience has launched over-the-counter “Torrid - Plus” for instant pain relief here on today. The gel based instant pain reliever works like a wonder on joints pain, sprains and strains, muscular pain, lower back pain and neck pain.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon Lifescience, said that Indian youths love playing football and with the ensuing monsoon season, football would be played everywhere. “There are chances, football players of our country may sustain muscle or bone injuries or sprains and strains while playing football but our product- Torrid-Plus can provide instant relief on muscular and joint pain.”

Talking on the advantages of the product, Mr. Rasadia said that Torrid-Plus is gel based and is not cream based like other pain relievers available in the market. As Torrid-Plus is gel based, it gets absorbed with the skin easily and starts working without leaving a mark of medicine.

After conducting thorough market study, continued Mr. Rasadia, we have developed the product which is useful for all generations from youth to middle aged to elderly people of our country. Now-a-days, young generations are more exposed to digital gadgets including mobile phones and laptops or computers. Over using of digital gadgets with wrong postures are leading to neck and lower back pain to youths. But our product, Torrid-Plus can provide instant relief to neck and lower back pain. Similarly, Torrid-Plus is also very useful for middle aged men and women and elderly people to get relieved while experiencing joints pain mainly on knees and lower back pain mainly on spinal cord.

Mr. Rasadia informed that key ingredients of Torrid-Plus are Diclofenac, Methyl Salicylate and Menthol Gel. Diclofenac is a proven non steroidal anti inflammatory drug which has profound therapeutic effect on joint pain, osteoarthritis, and sprained knee. The drug reduces pain by decreasing inflammation while Methyl Salicylate and Menthol Gel act as counterirritant by providing cold and hot sensations on skin and thus reduce effect of pain and provide relieves of muscular ache.

“The product is available over the counter (OTC) and can be purchased from medical stores without any prescription from any medical practitioner,” Mr. Rasadia announced.

To know more about Anlon Lifescience, please log on to http://anlonlifescience.com

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Indian drug manufacturers can take advantage of shutdown of Chinese pharma companies

There is a huge demand of APIs and Intermediates in China and Indian manufacturers should be in a position to fulfill the demand-supply gap created in the Chinese market writes Punit Rasadia

According to a research report titled "The Effect of Environmental Regulation on Employment in Resource-Based Areas of China—An Empirical Research Based on the Mediating Effect Model" published in the journal of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the economy of China grew rapidly in resource-based areas, but the existence of “extensive” growth has engendered severe population, resource and environment related problems.

When Xi Jinping came to power in China in 2013, the ambitious new general secretary claimed he would usher in an era of stricter enforcement of pollution control. Along with his highly publicized agenda to root out corruption, Xi declared that Chinese industry would be brought into line with global standards of environmental performance, significantly reducing smog and water pollution in and near major cities.

Going by the declaration to enforce stringent pollution control norms, the Chinese government has enacted a series of laws and regulations to protect environment such as the Administrative Regulation on Levy and Use of Pollutant Discharge Fee (2003), the Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste (2004), the Law on Conserving Energy (2007), the Measures for the Disclosure of Environmental Information (for trial implementation) (2007), the Circular Economy Promotion Law (2008), the Measures for Environmental Administrative Punishment (2010) and the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention and Control (2015 Revision) leading to closure of many polluting heavy industries gradually lowering down the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the country.

In its online edition, Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) wrote that a major push to root out polluters more systematically began in 2017.  Chinese Government inspectors fanned out through industrial areas, closing plants, fining companies, and in some cases jailing plant operators for air and water pollution. It is widely reported that operations at nearly 40 per cent of Chinese factories in 30 industrial provinces have been interrupted as a result of these inspections, which began in 2017.

According to C&EN report, the plants involved range across industries, affecting energy production, finished product manufacturing, and essential raw materials. Among companies on edge over China’s crackdown are producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), many of whom claim the sector is on high alert for supply chain disruption.

During my recent visit to China to attend recently concluded CPhi, I can very well sense that Chinese API manufacturers have been buffeted by plant shutdowns. The shutdown of APIs and Intermediate manufacturing units has created a total chaos and the survivors are on the run to line up alternate raw material sourcing.

Quality Issues faced by Chinese bulk drug manufacturers

Apart from violating pollution norms, Chinese drug manufacturers are not fulfilling norms of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

According to a report published by Pacific Bridge Medical, in some Chinese pharma factories, there are no organized or centralized quality manuals that employees can readily access. There may be poor document control and reporting inconsistency in Chinese factories.

Even after a factory is GMP compliant and a good quality system is set in place, problems will still arise if employees are not engaged in the process forcing U.S. FDA to conduct quality inspections in Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to ensure that GMP standards are met. Those who refuse inspection or fail to meet these standards are put on the FDA import alert list. Many Chinese drug manufacturing companies have already been placed on this list for violations such as falsifying or deleting data.

Facing the quality issue, the Indian government has also issued showcause notices in January this year to, and may soon blacklist, eight Chinese pharmaceutical companies found to be supplying poor quality raw material to Indian drug manufacturers. The notices were issued after a special inspection team of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) inspected the eight companies in China.

According to documents available with news agency IANS, the eight companies are M/S Qilu Tianhe Pharmaceuticals, M/S Hinan Xinxiang Pharmaceuticals, M/S Zhuhai United Labratories, M/S Guangzhao Baiyunshan Pharmaceuticals, M/S Shouguang Fukang Pharmaceuticals, M/S Qilu Antibiotics (Linyi) Pharmaceuticals, M/S Qindao Brightmoon Seawoods and M/S Shanghaoi Xiandia Hasen (Shangqiu) Pharmaceuticals.

According to sources in the DCGI, the companies on the verge of getting blacklisted are currently supplying a huge chunk of raw material to the Indian drug manufacturers.

According to senior DCGI officer, the allegations against the companies are of providing poor quality products and the action against them will soon be decided by the government. This will be harsh as we don't want the quality of drugs in India compromised.

India’s dependency on bulk drug import from China

In reply to a question in the Indian Parliament on March 13, 2018, Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Mr. Mansukh L Mandaviya said that China accounted for 66 per cent of India's total active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) imports in 2016-17 at Rs 12,254.97 crore. Bulk drug import from the neighbouring nation stood at Rs 13,853 crore in 2015-16, accounting for 65.2 per cent of the total import.

Citing data from DGCIS Kolkata, the minister said total bulk drug imports in 2016-17 stood at Rs 18,372.54 crore. The other four major countries from where India imports bulk drugs are Germany, the US, Italy and Singapore. Bulk drug import from the US was at Rs 820.18 crore, from Italy was at Rs 701.85 crore while the same from Germany and Singapore was at Rs 485.11 crore and Rs 422.01 crore respectively.

Is India leading to drug shortage?

With the crackdown of bulk drug manufacturers of China by the Chinese government followed by low quality issue, the question obviously arises – is India leading to drug shortage?

While the imports from other countries are mainly carried out for economic consideration and fulfilling import commitment under the bilateral agreements signed by India with many countries, there are various pharma manufacturers who could substitute in case of interrupted supply of bulk drugs from China.

Also the government of India has taken up measures to reduce import and to make India self sufficient. According to Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Mr. Mansukh L Mandaviya, the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) on February 7, 2018 approved a scheme for development of pharmaceutical industry under which one of the components is financing common facilities in bulk drug parks. The common facility would obviously reduce cost of production and result in better availability of cheaper medicines for Indian patients.

Is it a boon or bane for Indian Pharma?

As 40 per cent of Chinese factories in 30 industrial provinces in China have been forced to shut down and many Chinese bulk drug manufacturers have been issued warning letters for violating quality norms, pharma companies which are into formulations are facing a severe shortage of raw materials and other ingredients. The domestic supply chain in China has gone for a toss. US FDA is keeping a close vigil on operational factories forcing Chinese manufacturers to adopt international GMP norms.

To meet up the demand of formulated drugs in Chinese market, very recently in May of this year China has removed import duties on as many as 28 medicines, including all cancer drugs, from May 1, a move which would help India to export these pharmaceuticals to the neighbouring country.

In a message on Twitter, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said that China has exempted import tariffs (duties) for 28 drugs, including all cancer drugs, from May 1st. Good news for India's pharmaceutical industry and medicine export to China. I believe, this will help reduce trade imbalance between China and India in the future.

Apart from trade imbalance between China and India, the sudden exemption of import duties is to be read in the context of market dynamics.

While bulk drug market is undergoing a chaotic situation in China, I strongly feel, this is a very good opportunity for Indian bulk drug manufacturers to encash the situation in their favour. My gut feeling says that this situation would continue for the next four to five years.

There is a huge demand of APIs and Intermediates in China and the demand would even increase in coming years. Indian manufacturers should be in a position to fulfill the demand-supply gap created in the Chinese market. But I must say, the quality should be ensured and we should not compromise on quality while exporting.

Innovate or perish – mandate for Chinese drug manufacturers

If you ask me how long India will enjoy this advantage? Advantageous position to export bulk drugs or formulated products to China would remain for the next four to five years. So, what would happen after four to five years?

Before I answer the question, let me take you through some quick facts of pharmaceutical growth in China.

China has targeted pharmaceuticals as part of their five-year national economic growth planning cycle and is aggressively advancing its strategy to become a global leader in drug development, commercialization and distribution. With annual pharmaceutical sales growth rate of more than 21 per cent for 2007-2012, China is the second largest market behind the United States. Even with China’s economic slowdown in 2015, the annual growth rate of pharmaceuticals is a healthy 6.6 per cent versus a 1 per cent global average, and is projected to grow at up to 9 per cent through 2020.

In late 2015, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) undertook major reforms involving the way new pharmaceuticals are evaluated, approved, manufactured, and commercialized. Collectively, these reforms represent a fundamental change in the way the Chinese pharmaceutical market will operate going forward. The new mandate for Chinese pharma companies is very clear - either innovate or else perish.

Among the most important changes, the CFDA has redefined and broadly expanded the categories that an innovative drug might qualify for approval under the new Fast Track Drug Approval pathway. In general, drugs considered for approval via Fast Track must be truly innovative and address serious public health threats. Of the six categories, there is only one fully objective criterion for meeting Fast Track qualification: foreign innovative drugs manufactured in China. Coupled with this policy change is the ability for drug companies to engage the services of a contract manufacturing organization to bring approved innovative drugs to market, an option which did not previously exist.

Under the Made in China 2025 plan, China is also planning to make best use of automation and Artificial Intelligence in pharma manufacturing. During my visit to China, I have visited one factory which is fully automated and huge plant is being managed by only four persons and my fear is, that would be the future. The advantage of full automation of factories is obvious. It can cut down the production cost heavily making the cost of production is very price competitive.

Thus, may be today China is under the stage of cleaning up and under pressure due to environmental and quality norms. But within next four to five years down the line, China would emerge as a pharma superpower and would possible rule the pharma market world.

(The author of this article is the Managing Director of Anlon and can be reached at media [at] anlon [dot] in. To know more about Anlon, please visit: www.anlon.in)

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Anlon advocates for “Listen First” to create awareness against drug abuse

Scene 1: A 59-year-old woman was stabbed to death allegedly by her brother following an argument over his drug addiction in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area on June 24, 2018.

Scene 2: Four drug addicts allegedly murdered one of the inmates of an illegal drug de-addiction centre being run in Matoi village in Malerkotla subdivision in Ludhiana in Punjab on June 14, 2018 and managed to flee from the centre.

Scene 3: Three youths who started stealing cars to fund their drug addiction for Ecstasy have been arrested by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on June 5, 2018. The youths stole only Honda City cars as they apparently fetched them more money.

Scene 4: Taking note of the increasing number of adverse drug reaction cases in civic-run hospitals, the Bombay high court in last week of April, 2018 has directed the state government to set up a committee to analyse the cause and subsequently come up with a solution.

All incidents above have stunning similarities of drug addiction and crime committed under the influence of drug addictions. Drug addictions and drug abuse incidents are increasing day-by-day. In the case of drug abuse, the user may not necessarily be addicted. But someone addicted to drugs will find ways to abuse them.

According to reports, prescription drug abuse is growing in India and the problem is serious in South Asia. According to a UN report drugs enter the cross-border illicit markets through various channels, being diverted from India’s pharmacy industry and smuggled from Afghanistan.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an independent UN body tasked with monitoring the production and consumption of narcotics worldwide, said in its annual report that governments in South Asia continue to respond strongly to the threat of drug trafficking and abuse in the region.

According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), India accounts for 10 percent of the total pharmaceuticals produced in the world. In its report, it noted that the law required all drugs with “abuse potential” to be sold only on prescription, but that there was “significant diversion” from this.

To overcome this societal issue, the General Assembly of the United Nations has decided to observe June 26 of each year as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

Building on the success of last year, the theme for 2018 is: "Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe." It is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

Listen First: Todos for parents

·         A strong bond between children and parents is based on listening to them and showing you care. Even in difficult circumstances, a strong bond between children and parents can mean less risky behaviours

·         Spending even a small amount of time each day with complete attention to your child can really help

·         Praise your child for at least one thing he/she is doing right even if small

·         Ask your child what you need to know; where he/she will be, for how long, with whom, and doing what

Listen First: Todos for Teachers

·         Teachers can have a positive influence on children and youth to help them grow happy and resilient

·         Even in very difficult circumstances, children who are in school and feel a sense of belonging are less vulnerable to risky behaviours

·         The first step towards a strong bond between children and teachers is listening with empathy and care

·         Support the development of the personal and social skills of children through a curriculum of interactive activities

·         Create a positive school culture that supports the active participation of students

Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Rajkot based Anlon Lifescience said that the purpose of this day is to create awareness and make people aware of the challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit drugs trafficking throughout the world. Stressing the need on “Listen First”, he said with support and co-operations from all quarters, we can create a drug abuse free society.

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IBC Ordinance 2018: much awaited relief for MSME

IBC Ordinance 2018: much awaited relief for MSME

By Punit Rasadia

The President of India has recently given his consent to promulgate the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018.

The IBC Ordinance 2018 provides significant relief to home buyers by recognizing their status as financial creditors.  This would give them due representation in the Committee of Creditors and make them an integral part of the decision making process.  It will also enable home buyers to invoke Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 against errant developers.  

With the promulgation of the IBC Ordinance 2018, another major beneficiary would be Micro, Small and Medium Sector Enterprises (MSME). MSME is considered to be the backbone of the Indian economy as the sector generates huge employment, next only to the agriculture sector.

Recognizing the importance of MSME Sector in terms of employment generation and economic growth, the IBC Ordinance 2018 empowers the Government to provide them with a special dispensation under the Code.  The immediate benefit it provides is that, it does not disqualify the promoter to bid for his enterprise undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) provided he is not a willful defaulter and does not attract other disqualifications not related to default. It also empowers the Central Government to allow further exemptions or modifications with respect to the MSME Sector, if required, in public interest.

In order to protect the sanctity of the CIRP, the IBC 2018 lays down a strict procedure if an applicant wants to withdraw a case after its admission under IBC 2016.  Henceforth, such withdrawal would be permissible only with the approval of the Committee of Creditors with 90 percent of the voting share.  

Furthermore, such withdrawal will only be permissible before publication of notice inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI).  In other words, there can be no withdrawal once the commercial process of EoIs and bids commences. Separately, the Regulations will bring in further clarity by laying down mandatory timelines, processes and procedures for corporate insolvency resolution.

It is expected that some specific issues that would be addressed include non-entertainment of late bids, no negotiation with the late bidders and a well laid down procedure for maximizing value of assets.

With a view to encouraging resolution as opposed to liquidation, the voting threshold has been brought down to 66 percent from 75 percent for all major decisions such as approval of resolution plan, extension of CIRP period, etc. Further, in order to facilitate the corporate debtor to continue as a going concern during the CIRP, the voting threshold for routine decisions has been reduced to 51 per cent.

The IBC Ordinance 2018 also proposed a mechanism to allow participation of security holders, deposit holders and all other classes of financial creditors that exceed a certain number, in meetings of the Committee of Creditors, through the authorized representation.

The existing Section 29(A) of the IBC, 2016 has also been fine-tuned in the recent ordinance to exempt pure play financial entities from being disqualified on account of nonperforming asset (NPA).  Similarly, a resolution application holding an NPA by virtue of acquiring  it  in the past under the IBC, 2016, has been provided with a three-year cooling-off period, from the date of such acquisition.  In other words, such NPA shall not disqualify the resolution application during the currency of the three-year grace period.

Taking into account the wide range of disqualifications contained in Section 29(A) of the Code, the IBC Ordinance 2018 provides that the Resolution Applicant shall submit an affidavit certifying its eligibility to bid.  This places the primary onus on the resolution applicant to certify its eligibility.

The IBC Ordinance 2018 also provides for a minimum one-year grace period for the successful resolution applicant to fulfill various statutory obligations required under different laws.  This would go a long way in enabling the new management to successfully implement the resolution plan.

The other changes brought about by the current Ordinance include non-applicability of moratorium period to enforcement of guarantee; introducing the requirement of special resolution for corporate debtors to themselves trigger insolvency resolution under the Code; liberalizing terms and conditions of interim finance to facilitate financing of corporate debtor during CIRP period; and giving the IBBI a specific development role along with powers to levy fee in respect of services rendered.

The above changes in the IBC Ordinance 2018 are expected to strengthen the Insolvency Resolution Framework in the country and produce with better outcomes in terms of resolution as opposed to liquidation, time taken, cost incurred and recovery rate.

(The author of this article is the Managing Director of Anlon and can be reached at media [at] anlon [dot] in. To know more about Anlon, please visit: www.anlon.in)

https://anlon.wordpress.com/2018/06/22/ibc-ordinance-2018-much-awaited-relief-for-msme/

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Anlon to participate in CPhI in China

Rajkot (Gujarat), Tuesday, June 19, 2018: Rajkot based Anlon Healthcare Private Limited, is going to participate in the forthcoming CPhI China scheduled from June 20- 22, 2018 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.  CPhI China is one of the leading Global Exhibitions in which all major bulk drug, Intermediates and Pharmaceutical manufacturers participate.

Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon who has already reached on the land of the dragon, said that CPhI China is a great way to tap into the market and connect with the potential business houses from all across the globe. Apart from networking with existing business associates, CPhI provides an excellent opportunity to learn new things about the fast changing pharma and allied industries.

The event represents a great opportunity to connect with China's market leaders, meet existing clients, stay on top of industry trends and regulations. Organizers of the expo are expecting huge growth in international attendees this year because of the changed regulations and scenario with all manufacturing units.

According to the 2017 CPhI Global Pharma Index, China remains a region with unmatched growth potential and projects total pharmaceutical sales to be $158 billion in 2018. With the recent regulatory reforms by the China Food and Drug Administration (China FDA), efforts are being made to harmonize China’s regulations to match with international regulations.

CPhI report says that China has the most pharma manufacturers in the world, with 6500 companies producing 1500 APIs. Due to rapid growth of generic-drug production in China for domestic and exports consumption, CPhI China earmarked a specific zone – PharmaExcipients – decided to the pharma and chemical industries.

[anlongroup-blog]

Anlon to participate in CPhI in China

Rajkot (Gujarat), Tuesday, June 19, 2018: Rajkot based Anlon Healthcare Private Limited, is going to participate in the forthcoming CPhI China scheduled from June 20- 22, 2018 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.  CPhI China is one of the leading Global Exhibitions in which all major bulk drug, Intermediates and Pharmaceutical manufacturers participate.

Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon who has already reached on the land of the dragon, said that CPhI China is a great way to tap into the market and connect with the potential business houses from all across the globe. Apart from networking with existing business associates, CPhI provides an excellent opportunity to learn new things about the fast changing pharma and allied industries.

The event represents a great opportunity to connect with China's market leaders, meet existing clients, stay on top of industry trends and regulations. Organizers of the expo are expecting huge growth in international attendees this year because of the changed regulations and scenario with all manufacturing units.

According to the 2017 CPhI Global Pharma Index, China remains a region with unmatched growth potential and projects total pharmaceutical sales to be $158 billion in 2018. With the recent regulatory reforms by the China Food and Drug Administration (China FDA), efforts are being made to harmonize China’s regulations to match with international regulations.

CPhI report says that China has the most pharma manufacturers in the world, with 6500 companies producing 1500 APIs. Due to rapid growth of generic-drug production in China for domestic and exports consumption, CPhI China earmarked a specific zone – PharmaExcipients – decided to the pharma and chemical industries.

https://anlon.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/anlon-to-participate-in-cphi-in-china/

[anlongroup-blog]

According to Niti Aayog's latest report on Composite Water Management Index - a tool for Water Management published in June, 2018, India is suffering from the worst water crisis in its history and millions of lives and livelihoods are under threat. Currently, 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress and about two lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe water. The crisis is only going to get worse. By 2030, the country’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people and an eventual approximate 6 per cent loss in the country’s GDP. As per the report of National Commission for Integrated Water Resource Development of MoWR, the water requirement by 2050 in high use scenario is likely to be a milder 1,180 BCM, whereas the present-day availability is 695 BCM. The total availability of water possible in country is still lower than this projected demand, at 1,137 BCM. Thus, there is an imminent need to deepen our understanding of our water resources and usage and put in place interventions that make our water use efficient and sustainable.

While, Niti Aayog has called for efficient and sustainable water use now, Rajkot based pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon has already implemented the process of recycling of factory effluent by installing advanced technology and reuse the treated effluent completely for the industrial use to make Anlon as "zero liquid discharge" unit. Anlon has installed recycled capacity of as much as 50,000 liters per day. Recycled water is then used for various factory applications including housekeeping, gardening, washing etc. reducing the load on potable ground water.

[anlongroup-blog]

Composite Water Management Index: Anlon shows the way, uses recycled water for industrial applications

According to Niti Aayog's latest report on Composite Water Management Index - a tool for Water Management published in June, 2018, India is suffering from the worst water crisis in its history and millions of lives and livelihoods are under threat. Currently, 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress and about two lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe water. The crisis is only going to get worse. By 2030, the country’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people and an eventual approximate 6 per cent loss in the country’s GDP. As per the report of National Commission for Integrated Water Resource Development of MoWR, the water requirement by 2050 in high use scenario is likely to be a milder 1,180 BCM, whereas the present-day availability is 695 BCM. The total availability of water possible in country is still lower than this projected demand, at 1,137 BCM. Thus, there is an imminent need to deepen our understanding of our water resources and usage and put in place interventions that make our water use efficient and sustainable.

While, Niti Aayog has called for efficient and sustainable water use now, Rajkot based pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon has already implemented the process of recycling of factory effluent by installing advanced technology and reuse the treated effluent completely for the industrial use to make Anlon as "zero liquid discharge" unit. Anlon has installed recycled capacity of as much as 50,000 liters per day. Recycled water is then used for various factory applications including housekeeping, gardening, washing etc. reducing the load on potable ground water.

[anlongroup-blog]

Anlon observes World Day for Safety and Health at Work, vows eradication of child labour

Rajkot (Gujarat), Tuesday, June 12, 2018: Along with the world, pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon is also observing the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (SafeDay) and the World Day Against Child Labour (#WDACL) today ensuring safety and health at workplace to improve the safety and health of young workers and with a promise to eradicate #childlabour.

On this occasion, Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon said that both the campaigns aim to accelerate action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 8.8 of safe and secure working environments for all workers by 2030 and SDG target 8.7 of ending all forms of child labour by 2025. Achieving these goals for the benefit of the next generation of the global workforce requires a concerted and integrated approach to eliminating child labour and promoting a culture of prevention on occupational safety health (OSH).

According to report, there are 541 million young workers (15-24 years old) globally.  They account for more than 15 per cent of the world’s labour force and suffer up to a 40 per cent higher rate of non-fatal occupational injuries than adult workers older than 25.  They include 37 million 15-17 year olds in hazardous child labour.

Many factors can increase youth vulnerability to OSH risks, such as their physical and psychological stage of development, lack of work experience and lack of training, limited awareness of work-related hazards and a lack of bargaining power that can lead young workers to accept dangerous tasks or jobs with poor working conditions.

Mr. Rasadia said that the 2018 SafeDay campaign highlights the critical importance of addressing these challenges and improving safety and health for young workers, not only to promote decent youth employment, but also to link these efforts to combat hazardous – and all other forms of - child labour. “For Anlon, safety and health at workplace is the top most priority,” Mr. Rasadia said adding “Anlon follows all health and safety norms starting from risk assessments, basic laboratory safety, safety while operating machines, safety while handing chemicals, maintaining health and safety standards at par with international norms, regular training on standard operating procedures, maintaining safety data and prompt medical assistance in case of exigency.”

Anlon also strongly discourages employment of children in workplace and appeals to join hands to eradicate child labour to achieve sustainable development goal.

Anlon has three major group companies - Anlon Healthcare Private Limited which is into manufacturing of APIs and its intermediates, Anlon Technology Research Organization which is into manufacturing of process control and automation instruments and Anlon Lifescience Private Limited which is engaged into multi dimensional modern pharmaceutical products.

To know more about Anlon, please log on to : www.anlon.in

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“Beat Plastic Pollution” should not remain as a mere slogan, says Anlon

Rajkot, Gujarat, Tuesday, June 5, 2018: Rajkot based pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon, announced that it is committed to beat plastic pollution to ensure that future generations live in a clean and green planet, in harmony with nature.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon said that World Environment Day is one of the most import days of the United Nations (UN) to create awareness and actions for the protection of environment worldwide. Since its beginning in 1974, World Environment Day has become a global platform for public to think and act to protect our environment. The World Environment Day is now widely being celebrated in over 100 countries.

Each year World Environment Day is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. The theme for the World Environment Day of 2018 is “Beat Plastic Pollution” and India is the host country of World Environment Day, 2018.

Explaining plastic pollution, Mr Rasadia said that there are lots of plastic in the environment and plastics negatively affect animals, animal habitats and people. Plastic pollution can affect land, waterways and oceans.

In our daily life, many items are made of plastic, as because plastic is inexpensive and durable. But, most plastics are not biodegrade. So, they stay in the environment for a long time. That results in a lot of plastic pollution in the environment.

In India use of plastics is rampant. From smaller cities to national highways, plastics are everywhere.  On an average, an Indian uses approximately 11 kgs of plastics each year which is about a tenth of what an average American uses. Every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags.

Each year, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans. We buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute. Plastic makes up 10% of all of the waste we generate

Mr. Rasadia said that health of human being is totally dependent on the air we breathe, the food we consume, the water we drink and in short the environment we live in. Referring a research report, Mr. Rasadia said that about 40 per cent of all communicable diseases and a good number of non-communicable diseases like asthma and other allergies are directly related to the quality of environment. Also, a toxic environment adversely affects every disease is known to us, making them more difficult to treat.

But, at the same time, Mr. Rasadia feels that India needs technology, funds and research from the developed nations to transform “waste” into “wealth”. As the use of plastic in India is widespread, we need alternate biodegradable yet inexpensive and durable product to replace plastic.

He said that there are many areas where we can avoid usage of plastics and Anlon is committed to create awareness on those areas sothat pollution from plastic can be minimized. But there are many applications and utilities where usage of plastic can’t be restricted. Until and unless, scientists suggest any alternate to plastic, “beat plastic pollution” would remain as a mere slogan.

To know more about Anlon, please log on to: www.anlon.in

Image source: Blue Ocean Network

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Anlon participates at the BIO KOREA 2018 International Convention

Rajkot based pharmaceuticals startup, Anlon, a research-intensive organization which is into manufacturing of APIs and intermediates, process control instruments and pharmaceutical products has announced that it has presented at the BIO KOREA 2018 International Convention held on and from May 9-11, 2018, at COEX in Seoul in South Korea.

Anlon has already earned a global recognition for manufacturing products that adhere to the highest standards of quality. The company has three major divisions – Anlon Healthcare Private Limited which is into manufacturing of API and its intermediates, while Anlon Technology Research Organization is into manufacturing of process control and automation instruments and Anlon Lifescience Private Limited is engaged into multi dimensional modern pharmaceutical products.

Organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and North Chungcheong Province, Bio and Medical Korea 2018 meets its 13th anniversary enhancing the status of Korea’s bio-healthcare industry through various programs and promoting Korean pharmaceutical and medical device technology to the world.

“Advanced countries such as the U.S., Japan, China and Europe are introducing new strategies to nurture their healthcare industry,” South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon said while inaugurating the event on May 9. “In line with such strategies, the government has already announced plans to foster the health industry as one of the key strategic industries.”

Lee emphasized that some of the government’s plans include leading the economic growth and creating jobs by raising pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics industry.

Some low-income people in medically advanced countries cannot receive treatment due to high medical expenses, South Korean Prime Minister said.

“The healthcare industry will surely bring hope to mankind while giving a sense of accomplishment to healthcare workers,” Lee said. “However, there are still challenges that the health industry should not ignore such as medical polarization.”

Commenting on the participation at the Bio and Medical Korea 2018, Mr. Punit Rasadia, Managing Director of Anlon said that though we are participating in Bio and Medical Korea for the first time, but we fully agree what Hon’ble Prime Minister of South Korea has said.

Mr. Rasadia said that Anlon is in the process of job creation by raising standards of pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry. In the last one year Anlon has created sizable number of job opportunities. With the expansion of Anlon, more jobs opportunities would be created.

Anlon Healthcare Private Limited has already created a niche in APIs and Intermediates production market. Anlon has completed compliance with all regulatory requirements of leading health authorities such as FDA, PMDA, KFDA, cGMP, WHO-GMP.

“We are also aware that in India too low-income people can’t receive treatment due to high medical expenses,” Mr. Rasadia said adding “Anlon is coming up with a solution to ensure medicines should reach to the poorest of the poor of this country.”

The exhibition, which involves 600 companies from 45 countries, offers more than 400 booths, business forums that deal with domestic and foreign companies, conferences where experts in various fields talk about the latest technology trends. The event will also include an “Invest Fair,” where domestic pharmaceuticals and medical device companies meet local and foreign investors.

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China exempting import duty on 28 drugs may boost India’s pharma sector

China exempting import duty on 28 drugs may boost India’s pharma sector

By Punit Rasadia

Recently, China has announced the lifting of import duties on as many as 28 medicines, including all cancer drugs from 1 May. This move would definitely help India to export these pharmaceuticals to the neighbouring country.

China has exempted import tariffs (duties) for 28 drugs, including all cancer drugs, from May 1st. Good news for India’s pharmaceutical industry and medicine export to China. I believe this will help reduce trade imbalance between China and India in the future,” Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said in a tweet.

“#China will further improve business environment by halving time required to open a business, State Council decided at an executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on May 2nd. #China’s door to the outside world will open wider. #Indian businesses are welcome!” Chinese Ambassador to India further said on Twitter.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu has also appreciated the move by the Chinese Authority. In a message on Twitter, the minister said that that it will boost drug exports from India and benefit the Indian pharma industry, which is known for exporting high quality drugs at affordable prices.

If we critically analyse the background of the “sudden” announcement by the Chinese Authority to remove import duty on 28 drugs, first thing comes into picture is that the move is not sudden. India has time and again asked for greater market access for its goods and services, including IT, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, in the Chinese market to reduce the widening trade deficit. Trade deficit with China stood at USD 36.73 billion during April-October 2017-18 while it was USD 51 billion in 2016-17. India imports over 75 per cent of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from China.

During an informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jingping and Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi in April this year, China had pledged to look into the sticky issue of greater market access to Indian farm products and to resolve any issue that hurts the prospect of Indian pharmaceutical exports to that country.

But the question is whether the exemption of import duty on 28 drugs would boost India’s pharma export?

The removal of import duty on 28 drugs by China is the beginning of major transformation in trade relations. The list of 28 drugs consists of oncology too.

Considering the ever-increasing incidents of cancer cases in China and Indian pharma industry’s prowess to manufacture oncology drugs, this move could now boost export from India. As a pharma company, we see it is an opportunity for Indian pharmaceuticals companies to grab.

Additionally, with this move, China can source affordable drugs from India compared to other manufacturers of the world. Price competitiveness would definitely work in India’s favour.

But, as of now, there is there is no clarity whether the import duty exemption is only for APIs or formulation. Going by the intuition, I feel that the duty exemption is for APIs.

Also, the move is not India specific and is applicable to all members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Thus Indian drug manufactures may face quality issue while competing with global majors.

However, I agree what Mr. D.G. Shah, Secretary General of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance has said on this move. He said that tariffs were not an issue as far as China is concerned. According to Mr. Shah, with China, the major issue is non-tariff barriers. They take three to five years to approve a drug registration. Even after approval, commercialization of the drug takes a long time because of the non-tariff barriers.

Mr. Shah also said that as most of the cancer drugs are patented, this concession is meant for the US and will benefit US big Pharma companies.

So the time will tell, whether Indian pharma sector would get benefited with the exemption of import duty from 28 drugs by China or not.

(The author of this article is the Managing Director of Anlon. To know more about Anlon, please visit: www.anlon.in)