Ajanta Pharma Limited

Mumbai-based Ajanta Pharma spent 5 per cent of its total revenue generated during the FY20-21 in research and development (R&D), amounting to Rs 139 crore. The company operates an advanced R&D centre for finished formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis of different dosage forms. The R&D centre has a team of over 650 scientists working on innovative products for various markets across the globe. The facility has a range of state-ofthe-art equipment for formulation development, working on different dosage forms such as topical creams, ophthalmological preparations, nasal sprays, solid orals, liquids and dry powder inhalers. Ajanta also operates eight state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in India and Mauritius. Two of the facilities in India have been successfully approved by USFDA. The company employs over 7,000 people worldwide and its products are sold in over 30 countries.

Key Highlights of FY20-21

■ Completed the first in-house production line for sterile ophthalmic products at Guwahati facility.

■ Developed 23 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

■ Commercialised 20 products for the domestic market.

■ Commercialised 10 products in rest-of-the-world (ROW) markets.

■ Received 9 approvals for Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs).

■ Filed 2 New Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with USFDA.

■ Launched 8 new products & commercialised in the US market.

The R&D cost came down to 5 per cent of revenue from operations in FY 2021. In absolute terms, it stood at Rs 139 crore in FY 2021 against Rs 164 crore in FY 2020. Our R&D activities suffered the maximum impact of the lockdowns. Delays in completion of projects resulted in us missing out on many targets for product filings across global markets. However, our team geared up after the operations were allowed. The year witnessed our determination to complete the first in-house production line for sterile ophthalmic products at our Guwahati facility, despite the challenges.

- YOGESH M. AGRAWAL

Managing Director Ajanta Pharma Limited