Global mood: Biotechnology innovation India

Dishman expanded to the global market by acquiring in 2006 Carbogen-Amcis, a Swiss research company with three production facilities in Switzerland. The acquisition boosted Dishman's contract manufacturing business, allowing it to become the only contract manufacturing organization in India with high-potency manufacturing capability. "The model we are now offering is interesting as there would be one project manager, and absolute seamless development," says Vyas. "If it is a large tonnage product, we also offer our USFDA facilities in India, and can provide the customers with tailor-made development solutions. When an innovator works with someone like Carbogen, up to preclinical Phase I, they will want someone willing to do a very fast job for a few grams. After Phase I, when the biovalidity and the dosage is known, and the customer is deciding the target price for the API, that's when they start looking for the company who can improve upon the process. This is where we come into the picture. In Phase II, cost optimization becomes essential. India is the best location for that, as cost structure is optimal. You can therefore commit many chemists to be able to work this optimization at best. You need hundreds of experiments to find the best routes for your production, and the cost structure here makes it possible under the best conditions."
While looking for additional opportunities in the United States and Europe, Dishman is also venturing into API production in Saudi Arabia and considering options in Africa. Dishman has established a sales presence in Japan as well. "Today, 90% of our business is generated around the world with 10% in the US, but with our acquisition of Carbogen-Amcis, we expect deeper changes," said Vyas.