Alkem Laboratories Limited

For FY20-21, Mumbai-based Alkem Laboratories invested 6 per cent of its total revenue into R&D, amounting to Rs 530 crore. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, all six R&D facilities of Alkem Labs have been accredited by international regulatory authorities. To further bioequivalence and bioavailability studies essential to prove the efficacy and effectiveness of dosage forms, the company has a clinical research facility comprising more than 100 beds. Through its subsidiary Enzene Biosciences, a biotech-focused R&D company based in Pune, the company has also made substantial investments in the biosimilars segment. Alkem is one of the prominent names in the acute therapy areas of anti-infective, gastro-intestinal, pain management and vitamins/ minerals/ nutrients products. Moreover, the company has been expanding its footprint in the chronic therapy areas of neurology, cardiac, anti-diabetes, and dermatology.

Key Highlights of FY20-21

■ Entered into a partnership with Tata Memorial Centre to set up a state-of-the-art cancer care facility in Muzaffarpur, Bihar and also to establish three mini cancer units in Buxar, Jehanabad and Bhagalpur.

■ Started new formulation manufacturing facility in Indore (awaiting US FDA approval) and biologic / biosimilar manufacturing facility in Pune.

■ Led 9 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with the US FDA and received 25 approvals (including 6 tentative approvals).

■ Introduced its telemedicine or tele-consultation platform, called ‘Connect2Clinic’.

The company invested Rs 532 crore or 6 per cent of its revenues in R&D during FY 2020-21 as compared to Rs 472 crore or 5.7 per cent of its revenues in FY 2019-20. For the full year, our India business recorded a revenue growth of 4.5 per cent YoY, which is commendable considering our slow start. Overall, the slowdown was more severe in acute therapies like antiinfectives, owing to the heightened focus on personal hygiene and sanitisation. Usage of masks and sanitisers also helped to bring down the infection rates. This had a significant bearing on the company, which derives more than 80 per cent of its domestic revenues from acute therapies, with anti-infective contributing close to 40 per cent.

- SANDEEP SINGH

Managing Director Alkem Laboratories Limited