The Economic Times - 8 Sep, 2008

The pain killer

For Ketan Patel, 52, CMD of Troikaa Pharmaceuticals, his business is all about pain and Patel is always on the fast-track to formulate painless solutions for medical procedures. Over the years his firm has been making painless injectibles and creating a niche market. Recently, his flagship brand, Dynapar AQ—the world’s first painless diclofenac injection—got its patent approved.

And now he’s set to enter the biotechnology and CRO (contract research organisation) areas with an aim to find a new niche. “Our focus will remain on pain-management formulations as opportunities are huge in niche areas,” points out Patel. But that apart, he dreams of employing more people to take his current manpower of 1,000 people to much more. “We will be a Rs 500 crore by 2012,” he says.

What started in 1984 as a small generic unit in Thol, around 28 kms from Ahmedabad, has now blossomed to Rs 140 crore company with niche products in its basket. After completing his masters in Pharmaceuticals in 1980, Patel joined his father’s pharma partnership firm SIMS. His father, also a pharma graduate, had been running this for many years after getting separated from the Cadila group as one of its three co-founding partners.

Patel didn’t enjoy his stint in SIMS and yearned to participate in business strategy. Besides, the firm was running losses and ownership issues were cropping up. Finally, his family split from the firm and walked away with Rs 8 lakh.

In 1983, Patel acquired the land from a sick cotton-ginning mill and put up machinery with the help of his brother Milan Patel, a chemical engineer. “There wasn’t a single pucca road or a power supply that led to our unit,” says Patel, drawing out the site location on a piece of paper. An additional amount was also raised through GSFC scheme to technocrats at 13%. But that did not help turn his business well.

During the initial years, Patel incurred losses of more than Rs 15 lakh due to cut-throat competition in the generic drugs business. After the decline of the textile sector in Ahmedabad, many units diversified into pharma and thus created huge supply. “In fact, GSFC was all set to auction our unit,” Patel says with a big laugh. More was to come. A group of labourers stopped production by going on strike for more than a week. “That was my toughest time of survival,” he recalls.

Much later Patel got a major breakthrough with Barium, and this began his shift towards specialisation. “There was only one company from Mumbai in this area. We jumped into it at a cost-effective price and it worked,” says Patel. During mid-1988 his company broke-even with the help of anti-malarial injectibles. Thereafter, it launched an antidote to pesticides at Rs 40 per injection against Japan’s Sumitomo offering the same at Rs 81.

Things changed for the Patel brothers thereafter. Troikaa now specialises in critical care antidotes to cyanide, open-heart surgery, nerve gas and others. He recalls, “I was called by the DRDO to develop an antidote to nerve gas for the nuclear biological kit to be given to soldiers.” But he feels sad that had it clicked earlier, his specialisation would have saved many in the Bhopal gas tragedy.

He used to work late in the labs, design the tablet or injectibles and market it to various places. “One needs to be an all-rounder in his business to avoid any falsifications,” says Patel. His constant endeavour into research activities alleviated him to innovate pain-management products for critical care. In 2000, he stepped out of the domestic market to sell his products to Africa & Asia and has now reached to 50 countries. After a long battle, he finally recalls, “During 2004, I made my first million.” Troikaa is focused on developing novel drug delivery systems. The company has already filed 6 patents in various areas of drug delivery.

Out of his total 250 products today that are manufactured in Ahmedabad and Dehradun, including generic drugs, 20 are niche products gaining significant market share across the country. He also plans to invest close to Rs 100 crore over the next two years to put up a plant near Sanand to manufacture various dosages and injectibles.

Pharma Bio-World - Mumbai ,22 July 2008

Expanding Horizons

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Limited, the fast growing Rs.100 Crore Ahmedabad based healthcare company, is planning to launch six products in cardiology, gynecology, and hospital product segments by the year-end.  Of these, two products each are targeted for Aura, Spektra and Hospitroy and one will be an NDDS for pain management.

Besides this, the company is focusing on NDDS in a major way and has filed patents for the six products in the parenteral, oral buccal, and transdermal segments.

Speaking exclusively to Pharma Bio World, Ketan R. Patel, Managing Director, Troikaa Pharma, said, “Currently, our major focus is on the NDDS in the above mention segments.  We have around 200 products available in the market in four divisions namely Spektra (general products, pain, gynecology) Aura (Cardiology), Hospitroy (Hospital products), and Novogen (Generic Division).”

“We are committed to the development, manufacturing, and marketing of need and niche-based products of world-class quality for the treatment of sickness and diseases using innovative manufacturing technologies for products.”

Technology
Speaking about the company’s recently launched products, he said, “we have launched Dynapar AQ, an injectable. For the first time in the world, Diclofenac 75 mg/ml injection has been introduced for the management of acute pain.  Unlike conventional Diclofenac, 1 ml of Dynapar AQ Inj. can be given intra-deltoid as well.  Multicentric clinical studies have proven the efficacy and safety of 75 mg/ml diclofenac injections.  Bioequivalence studies show that Dynapar AQ 1 ml injection offers higher bioavailability compared to the conventional 3 ml Diclofenac Inj. Studies show that majority of intra-gluteal injections may actually be subcutaneous and the rate of absorption is faster when given intra-deltoid rather than intra-gluteal.  Moreover, smaller volume of concentrated solution causes lesser muscle damage compared to the larger volume of relatively less concentrated solution.”

“Both our manufacturing facilities in Ahmedabad and Dehradun have obtained WHO-GMP certification and our Quality Management Systems are certified by KVQA to follow ISO 9001:2000 standards for the manufacture and supply of drugs and pharmaceuticals.  The facilities have an installed capacity to manufacture 2.5 million capsules, 3 million injectables, half a million soft capsules, and half a million hard gelatin capsules per day”, he added.

Exports
Regarding the company’s export activities, he said, “About 30-35 products are marketed and prescribed in more than 40 countries across CIS, Asia, Africa, & Latin America.  Exports contribute about 16% to the turnover and it is expected to grow to 23-24% this year.  Our rate of growth is around 30-35% in the domestic market and we are expecting it to grow to about 40%.  We expect our sales turnover to touch about Rs.140 crore this year from the present Rs.100 Crore.”

Research & Development
The company’s strength lies in its Research and Formulation Development, which has resulted in the development of proprietary technology platforms like Aquatech (Painless administration of drugs), Lipisol (Making oily formulations water miscible), Matrix (sustained release of small amounts of the active ingredient in a controlled manner over an extended period of time from a tablet), and many more. The formulations developed from these platforms are unique as well as superior to conventional formulations available in the market. Every product formulation under these technology platforms is backed up by multi-centric clinical trials conducted at reputed institutions.  Some of the products developed from these innovative technologies are Dynapar AQ, Aqua-E (water-soluble natural vitamin E), FENO-TG (microsolve technology), Sitrus-LA (slow release of vitamin C), etc. 

Future Plans
The company also plans to set up a manufacturing facility as per USFDA Guidelines. “Towards this goal, we have acquired 65 acres of land near Ahmedabad.  After starting operations from our new plant, we will also focus on drugs related to neurology and psychiatry. We are looking for a strategic license with overseas partners. Also, we will be entering markets of Brazil, South Africa, Columbia, and Frankfurt.  We are also planning to increase the marketing network in India and abroad.  

The NDDS segment is witnessing significant innovations.  “There are innovations related to the Slow Release (SR) of drugs for parenteral use. Also there are ongoing bioavailability studies of NDDS.  In India, the concept of NDDS is an emerging area and is gaining acceptance among the doctors and patients. There is a need for increasing awareness about NDDS and its advantages compared to normal drugs,” remarked Mr. Patel.

Troikaa, founded in 1983, began its commercial activities in 1984. “We had a humble beginning with a small factory and staff strength of 15 people.  However, constant innovation and aggressive marketing have resulted in a steady growth for Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Currently it has four marketing divisions and more than 725 employees.

DNA Money - Saturday ,10 May 2008

Troikaa unit in Sanand by 2010
 
After launching its painless painkiller injection 'Dynapar AQ 1 ml', Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd is looking to strengthen its position in the pain-killer segment. The company is also planning multi-production facilities for tablets, capsules, injectibles and topical preparations in Sanand near Ahmedabad, at a projected cost of Rs 120 crore.

The project, which will be financed by a 70:30 ratio of debt and equity, is expected to cater more to the export market, while it will also supply to domestic market, Ketan Patel, MD, Troikaa.

While the company has already acquired the land, the project will be initiated in February next year. Production is scheduled to begin from early 2010.

"We opted out of setting up our unit at any SEZ due to high land costs and other issues with pharma SEZs," Patel said. "We have enough capacity for Dynapar till 2008 at our Dehra Dun plant, and will outsource for the additional capacity till our Sanand expansion is completed," he added.

The only diclofenac injection, given in the arm, Dynapar has seen a sales jump of 20% since it was lunched in early December last year. "Keeping in mind the feedback we received from hospitals, we have innovated the packaging. Dynapar will now be available in pre-filled syringes, in addition to with glass tubes," Patel said. The new packaging will mean zero contamination, without any direct contact with air or glass particles.

The firm has applied to patent its injection in 107 countries.

The company is looking to increase exports, and plans to take pain-killers, specialty injectibles and other products of local interest to new markets such as Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia and Peru by the end of the current financial year. Troikaa will partner with local players with a strong presence in marketing in these markets.

Pharmabiz - Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Usha Sharma, Mumbai

Troikaa Pharma to invest Rs 100 cr for setting up new manufacturing facility near Ahmedabad

The Ahmedabad based pharmaceutical company Troikaa Pharmaceutical Ltd will be investing Rs 100 crore for setting up a new manufacturing facility at Sanad, Ahmedabad. The construction work of the new facility will commence from early 2010.

The new facility will be for injectables, tablets, capsules topical preparations, beta - lectum and some oncology products. At present its 140 products are sold in the domestic and the international markets for pain management, critical care, anaesthesia and cardiology segments. The company has strong product pipeline in these therapeutic areas. It has seven new injectables, six beta lectum and six topicals product in the pipeline and very soon it will be in market.

The company has two manufacturing facilities at Ahmedabad and Dehradun (Uttaranchal). Both the facilities are certified by the World Health Organisation. Troikaa has the capability to manufacture high quality critical care injectables, tablets and topical preparations. It holds patented technology platforms for various novel drug delivery system - Intra oral, oral, parenteral, sustain release and topical.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Ketan Patel, director, said, "We have acquired 65 acre of land at Ahmedabad and our new facility will be as per the US FDA standards. In the first phase of our expansion, we will be investing Rs 60 crore. The facility will be manufacturing injectables, tropical preparation and beta lectum product for the regulated markets. The new facility will start commercial production activity by the end of 2010. We have planned to appoint nearly 250 staff in our new facility".

The company is constantly striving towards attaining technology breakthrough which is in accordance with its promise of providing better treatment options and drug delivery system. At present it holds two patents and five are in the process. A few months back, it has launched its product Dynapar AQ injection 75/mg/1ml injecton in the domestic market. It offers higher bioavailability compared to conventional 3ml Diclofenac injection. Studies show that majority of intra-gluteal injections may actually be subcutaneous and the rate of absorption is faster when given intradeltoid rather than intra-gluteal. Moreover, smaller volume of concentrated solution cause less muscle damage compared to larger volume of relatively less concentrated solution. Currently, in Mumbai more than 90 per cent hospitals are using it. "As Union Budget has given good incentives to the upcoming hospitals. This may help setting up of many hospitals in the tier II and III cities. We are expecting that our total sales revenue of the Dynapar injection in 2007-08 should touch Rs 25 crore and in the next fiscal it will reach up to 40 crore".

With the growth rate of 40 per cent, its annual turnover during 2006-07 went up to Rs 105 crore and for the current year it will reach to Rs 140 crore. The company is targeting to touch Rs 300 crore in the coming fiscal.

> The Econimic Times - August 22, 2008

Pharma firms betting big on nutraceuticals

Awareness about health care is growing and pharmaceutical companies are betting big on nutraceuticals. Several pharma companies are introducing products in this category and predict a significant increase in their profits from this segment. Elder Pharma leads the pack while other major players in the nutraceuticals segment include Wockhardt, Plethico, Glenmark and Troikaa Pharmaceuticals.

Elder Pharmaceuticals director Alok Saxena said, “We are currently the largest player in this segment and getting strong. The growth in this segment is going to be phenomenal in the coming years.” In 2007, Elder pharma acquired 20% stake in UK-based Neutra Health for £5.63 million.

Industry sources value the nutraceutical segment in India at roughly $400 million (Rs 1,750 crore) and expect it to grow at approximately 20% per year. “The Indian healthcare sector is valued at $7 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) and $400 million is a somewhat accurate estimate of the nutraceutical segment. The question, however, arises that since nutraceuticals is a wellness product, whether ayurvedic and herbal products fall under this category as well,” Ernst & Young health science practice partner Murali Nair said.

Though nutraceuticals in India are considered drugs, unlike the over-the-counter status they have in western countries, the industry estimates global sales to reach $190 billion (Rs 8,28,000 crore) by 2010. “The dietary supplement market in India alone is estimated to reach Rs 5,267 crore by 2010 and is expected to witness a tremendous growth rate of 16%,” Maheshwari Basavaiah, analyst with Frost & Sullivan said.

The challenge facing Indian pharmaceutical companies, however, is the fact that the definition of nutraceuticals is not clearly defined in the country. “Nutraceuticals cover dietary supplements and vitamins among others. In India there is no act which promotes the manufacture and sale of these, under a label other than ‘drugs’. It can be sold only through pharmacies and to acquire a license in this case becomes a hassle. There needs to be more clarity on this,” Ahmedabad-based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals managing director Ketan Patel said. Nutraceuticals contribute over 13% to the company’s turnover.

> Economic Times - 5th August 2008

Court Upholds Design Patent of Troikaa’s Generic Painkiller
High court Order to Throw Look-alike Drugs off Shelves

Pharma companies building blockbuster brands of generic drugs can rest easy.  In a landmark judgement, Gujarat High Court has upheld the design patent of an Ahmedabad based company that will prevent look-alike versions from flooding the market.

Ahmedabad based Troikaa Pharma got its pain-relief medicine Dynapar patented for its D-shaped, blue-coloured tablet. The medicine has a mix of Diclofenac sodium and paracetamol and is a generic pain management drug.

Troikaa had patented the tablet design and registered the brand name. While the shape and colour of the tablet was patented in 2001 the brand name was registered in 1992 with an exclusive right for 10 years. The company renewed the rights for another 10 years in 2004.

However, a similar drug combination was launched by a few companies, including Himachal based Pro Laboratories.  Pro manufactured the same combination, Diclofenac sodium and paracetamol, with a similar colour and shape as that of Troikaa’s Dynapar. 

The market size of the pain management drugs in India is around Rs.2,000 crore. Dynapar comes under non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) category of the pain management segment and market size of this category is about Rs.1,362 crore.

Diclofenac, in isolation, has a combined market that includes tablets and injectables would be Rs.223 crore. Thus, while the market was lucrative, a product which was similar-looking to the existing popular brand would ensure instant success for any company.  Troikaa filed a suite against Pro Laboratories for design and trademark infringement, in 2007.

“Taking into consideration the entire facts and circumstances of the case, the court is of the view that the plaintiff (Troikaa) has made out a prima facie case so as to enable this court to grant interim relief during the pendency of the suit or in any case, till the plaintiff enjoys registration of its design,” the court said. An upbeat Troikaa is now mulling action against other pharma companies that are producing copycat versions.

“The company might file lawsuit against another 2 to 3 pharma companies involved in making the copycat version of Troikaa’s D-shaped drug”, said Jatin Trivedi, patents and trademark attorney for Troikaa Pharma.

> Express Pharma, Mumbai - 1st-15th July 2008

Toikaa Pharma - A chariot of success

Only perseverance and hard work can ensure consistent success, year after year. The same holds true for Troikaa Pharmaceuticals, which started its business as a small scale unit and is now growing at over 40 percent, with its key focus on pharmaceuticals and neutraceuticals.

Troikaa, headed by Ketan R Patel and Milan R Patel, was founded in 1983. The company, which started out with just 15 employees, now has more than 700 personnels, comprising professionals, scientists, technicians, pharmacists and sales personnel. Today, Troikaa has a corporate office and manufacturing facilities at Ahmedabad and another facility at Dehradun, and is steadily growing as a result of constant innovation and aggressive marketing. The company commissioned one more state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Uttranchal in May 2006, with an aim to sustain growth.
Troikaa started off with manufacturing generic products for the first couple of years and then embarked on developing Neopan, an antiodate to organo phosphate poisoning, Pam Injection, says Ketan Patel, Chairman and Managing Director, Troikaa * At that time, the antidote was being imported from Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, Japan. The successful launch of Neopam made us a familiar name at all leading medical college hospitals in India, * he adds.
“We then expanded our marketing network to other states in India. Today our sales force comprises 600 marketing professionals, * says Patel. “Our first export order was for $780 where we had to send products to Mauritius. This was in 1994. Today our products are exported to 40 countries and the orders exceed $4 million.” he adds.
This year will see Troikaa securing registrations, enabling them to export their products to 12 more countries.

Product history
As far as its foray into the regulated market is concerned, Troikaa is sealing up its production capacity of injectables, Troikaa’s initial product-chioroquine phosphate injection-was manufactured in the generic segment, says Patel. However, due to competitive pricing, initial batches had to be sold at a loss. Then came the launch of tropaque, barium sulphate, which is used for contrast media in radiology. “It was a small niche market and although the volumes we handled in terms of weight was high, the turnover was very low. The first success we experienced in terms of healthy sales volumes as well as profits was when we launched our ethical marketing operations with a product basket comprising products for gyneacology, pain management and bacterial infections,* he says.
Subsequently, Troikaa launched a series of injectable products for anaesthetics, open heart surgeries and critical care, all these products catalysed our growth by providing the much needed cash flow, Patel adds. The latest product from Troikaa is the novel version of diclofenac injection-Dynapar AQ which is painless and convenient to administer. Patel proudly mentions that ORG-IMS has ranked it at the second position in the diclofenac injections category.

Exports growth
Troikaa’s export drive started three years ago and today their products are exported to more than 40 countries, with the list of countries growing month by month. “Troikaa’s export growth was rated 30 percent in March 2008. In the current year it is expected grow up to 40 percent. * Over the last four years the company grew between 30 to 40 percent and the factors responsible for this are the flawless quality of our products, cutting edge marketing strategies and a well trained sales force, *avers Patel.

Challenges and competition
Troikaa mainly focuses on Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS). The reason, says Patel, is that the company firmly believes in providing superior therapeutic benefits by improvising the formulation.

On handling competition, Patel says they have adopted various multifaceted strategies to help Troikaa stand up to contemporaries. Another fact that helps them stand out is their high quality products. “We also train our sales force vigorously and build a good relationship with our customers, “he adds.

Expansion plans
Troikaa has big dreams and a major expansion plan for the future. It has already acquired 65 acres of land near Ahmedabad and the first quarter of 2009 will see Troikaa set up manufacturing facilities for various dosage forms at this location. The coming year will also see the company expand its marketing network both in India as well as in international markets. “In India as well as in international markets. “In India, we will also expand our sales force and bring it around 2000.” Concludes Patel.

>Business Standard, Ahmedabad - April 24th, 2008

Toikaa Pharma plans EOU in Ahmedabad

Setting its sights on be­coming a Rs 500-crore turnover company by 2012, Ahmedabad-based Troikaa Pharma is set to strengthen its focus. on ex­port markets.The company is planning to set up an Export-Oriented Unit (EOU) at Sanand near Ahmedabad to manufacture critical care injectables, tablets and topical preparations. Its current facility in Dehradun will also see expansion this year.The new unit at Sanand will come up over an area of 75 acres for which land has al­ready been acquired. The plant would being operations from from February 2009. Close to Rs 120 crore will be invest­ed in the new unit, which will funded through internal accruals."Exports form nearly 60 percent of our revenues. We are looking at newer export markets like Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Columbia, Thai­land and Philippines," said Ketan Patel, MD of Troikaa Pharma. The company is expecting a 40 per cent push to its top line and bottom-line in the coming years on' account of ex­ports. The turnover for the year 2007-2008 is expected to touch Rs 105 crore.The company has a manufacturing plant at Ahmedabad apart from Dehradun, The Dehradun plant, which was set up with an investment of Rs 21 crore to manufacture injectables, tablets and topical preparations, will see an in­vestment of close to Rs 17 crore for capacity expansion.At present, the company garners around 50 per cent of its revenues from pain management products, 25 per cent from Cardiology and rest from gynecology among others.The recent recognition received for its in-house research and development facility from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research would aid the company financially. "The R&D unit of Troikaa would be eligible for corporate tax exemptions against the expenditure incurred on R&D. This would help enhance manufacture and export of innovative products," said Patel.

The R&D centre currently focuses on manufacturing high quality critical care injectables, tablets and topical preparations through proprietary technology platforms like Lipisol (which enables an oily formulation become water miscible), Matrix (sustained release of small amounts of active ingredient in controlled manner over an extended period of time from the tablet) and others.

>Times of india, Ahmedabad - January 12, 2008

Troikaa Injects painless pain killer

In a major breakthrough in the pain management segment, the Rs.105 Crore Ahmedabad based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Limited has unveiled a painless version of its painkiller diclofenac injection – Dynapar AQ. Troikaa claims that the injection, developed through indigenous R&D efforts at a cost of Rs.3.5 Crore, is painless as compared to other diclofenac ones and will help it take on pharma giants like Novartis, which leads with a 55% share of blockbuster drug Voveran.The company plans to invest Rs.20 Crore for expanding manufacturing capacity at Dehradun for the new drug, for which it has already applied for a global patent in over 100 countries.

The patent will give Troikaa 20 year exclusive run of the global market once granted, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals managing director Ketan Patel told TOI at the India unveiling of the drug.  With this plunge, the company is targeting Rs.60 Crore revenues from the international and domestic marketing by 2010, as compared to Rs.10 crore from the existing diclofenac injectible. “The new product is the result of an out-of-the box innovation in the drug delivery system.  We have spent three year on R&D and with a patent for 107 countries in the pipeline, Dynapar AQ will strike a gold mine for the company”, he said.  Mehta said the painless injection would boost the market for diclofenac injections in India, which stands at 20 million injections per month, as it reduces pain by eliminating swelling at the injection site and also enables it to be administered on the arm instead of the lower part of the body. Speaking on the occasion, Padmashree IIM-A Professor Anil Gupta, said, “Gujarat enjoys the lion’s share in the healthcare industry in the country.

> Indian Express, Ahmedabad - January 11, 2008

Troikaa Pharma unveils new diclofenac injection

Ahmedabad based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Limited has unveiled a new version of its painless painkiller injection, Dynapar AQ 1ml. Dynapar AQ (Aqueous diclofenac injection) manufactured by Pharma’s patented Aquatech process, is the world’s first and only diclofenac injection which delivers the full dose of diclofenac in 1 ml, a company release claimed.  Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), widely prescribed for reducing pain and inflammation.  Diclofenac injections are used for managing acute pain due to surgery, trauma, injury, colic etc. Dynapar AQ 1 ml ca be easily administered in the arm muscle, thereby avoiding the thick fat layers of the buttock enhancing its efficacy.  Ketan Patel, Managing Director of Troikaa Pharma said “at Troikaa, our focus had been to address unmet medical needs through innovative drug delivery the introduction of this drug 1 ml dose is in line with our promise to provide technology that augments existing healthcare treatments.”

> Business Standard, Ahmedabad + Mumbai + Delhi + Bangalore + Pune & Kolkata - January 14, 2008

Troikaa launches variant of painkiller injection

Troikaa Pharma today launched a new version of painkiller injection Dynapar AQ in 1 ml.  Dynapar AQ is a high concentration injection that delivers the full dose of 75 mg diclofenac in just 1 ml, causing minimum muscle damage and less pain. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, widely prescribed for reducing pain and inflammation. The injections are used for managing acute pain due to surgery, trauma injury and colic.

> DNA, Ahmedabad - January 11, 2008

Troikaa gets shot in the arm

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is planning to invest Rs.20 crore in expanding the manufacturing capacity of its painless painkiller injection ‘Dynapar AQ 1 ml’ at its Dehradun Unit.“We expect Diclofenac sales to jump form Rs.8 crore to Rs.20 crore in FY  2007-08 with the launch of Dynapar AQ,”  said MD, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ketan Patel.“Diclofenac injection market is around Rs.80 crore and we expect to have 20-25% market share by December 2008 through Dynapar AQ,” said Patel.  Each dosage will cost around Rs.13-14 and company expects sales of around 20 lakh units by January 2008.The company is also expecting huge orders by way of exports once it gets the patent for the injections.  It is eyeing exports worth Rs.2 crore of Dynapar AQ in FY 2008-09 which is likely to move up further once the product get approval for launch in Latin America, Middle East, US and Europe.

We have already filed a  patent for the same in 107 countries and expect results from 31 countries by December 2008 end said Pate.  Company has invested Rs.3.5 crore in developing the revolutionary painkiller ‘Dunapar AQ’ which it launched in early December.

There are around 70 players in India in Diclofenac injections while the total Diclofenac market including tablets is around Rs.400 crore said Patel.  Mauritius will be the first country apart from India to market Dynapar AQ.  Company achieved sales of Rs.105 crore ad eyes a growth of 40% CAGR for the FY 2007-08 said Patel.  Diclofenac is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to reduce pain, and inflammation.  Diclofenac injections are used for managing acute pain from surgery, injury and others.  Diclofenac injection which is available in 3ml contains propylene glycol, causes pain when injected.  Now with launch of Dynapar AQ (Aqueous Diclofenac injection) 1ml, it will be the only Diclofenac injection that can be given in the arm.  This will improve the efficacy of the drug and cause less pain than conventional 3ml injections.

In India, 20 million Diclofenac injections are administered to patients every month for relief from pain.

> Economic Times, Ahmedabad - January 5, 2008

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals was founded in the year 1984 with 15 employees and an initial capital of Rs.8 lakh.  In the first year of its operation, the company achieved a turnover stands at Rs.16 lakh. Today the turnover stands at Rs.105 crore. The first product for the company was Tropaque – an X-Ray diagnostic equipment that was discontinued after 5 years.The turning point for the company came with the launch of Diclofenac injectables and tablets – Dynapar AQ in the year 1994.  It turned out to be a blockbuster drug.  The company launched the new version of the Diclofenac injection again in the year 2001.  The drug contributes Rs.20 crore per annum to its revenues.  The company’s major facts is on pain management drugs, critical cardiac care and oral care.  It has registered a growth of 48% last year and expect to grown in same pace in coming years.  In the domestic market, it has presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra, KP, Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar and Rajasthan, while in the international market, it has presence in South East Asia, Latin America, West Africa and East Africa.  The company has two state of the art manufacturing facilities, one each in Ahmedabad and Dehradun, four marketing divisions and more than 1,100 employees.  Troikaa has the capability to manufacture high quality critical care injectables, tablets and topical preparations.  For the year ended on March 2007, the company’s turnover stood at Rs.105 crore.> Economic Times, Mumbai & Delhi- January 11, 2008Save the ‘a’ Ahmedabad – based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals has lived upto its name.  It’s scored thrice. That is, by developing an injectables (Dynapar AQ) of lower dosage volume with much lesser pain for relief in post-operative pain, trauma pains, fractures, renal and biliary colic and other acute painful conditions. Second, the company is now on the verge of launching the product in Latin America, EU, CIS and African Countries. And finally, with this launch, it expects to garner more than 10% of the market share, the highest among 12 serious players, from the current 0.8%.  Ketan Patel, the CMD of the Rs.105 crore Troikaa, says successful clinical trials on the injectables has helped him bring down the dosage to 1ml from the existing 3ml, at Rs.14 for a dosage.  “Our aim is to increase the product technology so that we can cover market share in the longer run.”> Economic Times, Mumbai & Delhi- January 14, 2008Says Prof. Anil Gupta of IIM Ahmedabad,  ‘We can’t rely on large corporates alone to produce innovation.  The world over it’s small companies that produce the most innovative products and services. But for that we need to build a strong innovation support system.”

Similarly, Ahmedabad-based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals has successfully introduced an injectables (Dynapar AQ) of lower dosage volume for relief in post operative pain, trauma pain, fracture, renal and biliary colic and other acute painful conditions. The Rs.105 crore company managed to bring down the dose from 3ml earlier to 1ml now at Rs.14 per unit.  “Our aim is to innovate on such products and reach more markets where they are most needed,” says Ketan Patel, CMD, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals, who plans to take the product to Latin America, the EU

> The Economic Times - March 5 2008

Pharma Companies play guardian angel for orphan drugs

For some pharma companies, profit motive takes a back seat. Rising above margins concerns, these companies are venturing into orphan drugs – a category that is not frequented by their colleagues in the industry.  Orphan drugs were long neglected by the Indian pharmaceutical companies who are keen on producing those drugs which are sold like hot cakes.  However, of late, some brave hearts in the sector have taken up the manufacture of these drugs.   Orphan drugs are those drugs that are used for the treatment of diseases which are so rare that the pharmaceutical industry is reluctant to develop medicinal products under usual marketing conditions.  The drugs which are intended to treat diseases affecting a small number of patients suffering from rare disease or a more common disease where manufacturer can not expect to make profits.But a few companies have come up with range of orphan drugs in their kitty.  Take the example of Ahmedabad–based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Limited that produces five orphan drugs – Aprotinin injectables, Naloxone Hydrochloride, Pralidoxime Hydrochloride, Adenosine and Cyanide antidote kit.MD of Troikaa Pharma, Ketan Patel, told ET that his company produces orphan drugs basically to serve the society as it provided medicine for those diseases where the biggies of the pharma industry are reluctant to enter. Giving an example of one his orphan drugs- Cyanide antidote kit, Mr. Patel said that the drug is vital for those in the defence forces involved in chemical warfare. The drug is also useful in saving lives in case of major chemical industry mishap – something similar to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.The other drugs like Apportioning that the company produces is a protein, used in reduce bleeding and decreased need for blood transfusions following heart and liver surgery.  It acts mainly by preventing the breakdown of clots.  Naloxone is a drug used to counter the effects of overdosing with opioids such as heroin and morphine. Another Gujarat-based pharma company, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd produces drug for leprosy patients under the brand name of Immuvac. Dr. Bakulesh Khamar, ED of Cadila Pharma, says that leprosy patients are now largely taken care by the government.US – based non-profit drug company The Institute for One World Health recently collaborated with Gland Pharma Ltd, a Hyderabad based pharma company for the production of Paromonycin IM Injection.  Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Paromonycin Intramuscular (IM) Injection for the treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) (kala-azar), the second most deadly parasitic disease in the world following malaria.One World Health is a San Francisco based non profit pharmaceutical company that develops drugs for people with infectious diseases in the developing world.  It is also working with the Indian Council for Medical Research and four kala-azar centers of excellence in Bihar, India.

Similarly, Cipla is one of those companies that produces ‘Orphan drugs’ for the treatment of thalassemia disease.

Dr. Dinesh Badyal, associate professor, Department of pharmacology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana and an expert in orphan drugs, told ET that out of 30,000 know diseases, 5,000 occur rarely and 5 new rare diseases are described every week in the medical literature.  While as per his knowledge, there are approximately 3-5 companies in India, who are manufacturing orphan drugs, usually in collaboration with other International agencies.  He drew to the fact that the cost of manufacturing is too much high. Dr. Badyal further says that country like United States where nearly 25 years ago, former President Ronald Regan signed into law the Orphan Drug Act (ODA) of 1983, to promote the development of medicines to treat diseases that affect less than 2,00,000 people in the country had become one of the most important piece of health care legislation today.  He says that this law provided orphan drug developer certain financial benefits and incentives from the US government in exchange for researching, developing and getting a drug approved for a rare disease or condition.

Interestingly, India is way behind in creating conducive environment for the development of research in orphan drugs, as there is no such regulation in India.  Dr. Badayal informs that a group of pharmacologists requested the Indian government to institute Orphan Drug Act at a conference held by the Indian Drug Manufacturing Association in November 2001, but nothing concrete has materialized so far till now, says Badyal. However, ODA exists in various countries like Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Sweden and UK.   

> Pharma Bridge - April 2007 : Vol. 1, Issue 1

The Duo's Troikaa

The company is headed by technocrats Ketan R. Patel and Milan R. Patel, What started with just 5 employees in the year 1984 has blossomed into a family of more than 600 employees comprising of competent professionals, scientists, technicians, pharmacists as well as sales personnel. Troikaa has a state-of-art manufacturing facility at Thol, near Ahmedabad and at Dehradun, Uttaranchal; the latter one commissioned in May 2006. The company manufactures critical care injectables, tablets and tropical preparations. The manufacturing facilities are certified for WHO-GMP and their quality management systems are certified by KVQA-NORWAY to follow ISO 9001-2000 standards for manufacture and supply of drugs and pharmaceuticals. The company's strength lies in its Research and Formulation in the development of several Proprietary Technology Platforms. The formulations developed by such technology platforms are unique as well as superior to conventional formulations available in the market, such as:

• Aquatic process to manufacture Dynapar AQ Matrix technology to manufacture Dynapar SR and Sitrus LA Lipisol technology to manufacture Aqua E omega Decompaction technology to manufacture Dynapar Tab. Microsolve technology to manufacture Feno TG
• Buccal paste technology to manufacture Tess Ointment

The superiority of each innovative formulation has been validated by clinical trials and comparative bio-equivalence studies. One of their major successes is Dynapar AQ, the world's first painless diclofenac injection. The unique manufacturing process of Dynapar AQ has been awarded a Patent. The superiority of Dynapar AQ over a leading brand has been validated by multicentric clinical trials conducted at premier hospitals in India.The company has technical collaboration with Pentapharm Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, to manufacture and market a series of products related to blood coagulation. At present Troikaa products are available and prescribed in more than 35 countries across CIS. Asia, South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.As part of its foray into regulated market, the company is scaling up the production capacity of injectables.

The company plans to acquire 1,00,000 sq. meter of land nearby the existing factory with built up area of 15,000 sq. meter. The construction work of the third plant will start in second half of 2007. The company's current turnover is Rs. 75 crore and is expected to cross Rs. 100 Crore during 2007-08 and after its foray into the regulated markets.

> Business Standard - Monday 30 April 2007, Ahmedabad

Troikaa to set up injectable plant in Dehradun

Vishal Dutta Ahmedabad, 29 April

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the Ahmedabad-based pharma company will setup injectables production facility targeting the therapeutic segment in domestic and export market. Talking to Business Standard, Ketan Patel, Managing Director, Troikaa Pharma, said, "We will be setting up an injectable novel drug delivery system (NDDS) production facility in Dehradun." The company will be investing Rs 12 crore for setting up its injectables NDDS production facility at the existing facility of the company at Dehradun in Uttaranchal. The entire funding for the project will be met from the internal accrual of the company. Patel claims that the plant will be the first of its kind in the country coming up with in innovative technology for the production of injectables NDDS. The injectable produced are not ordinary type but they are targeted at a niche area for application in various therapeutic segment. "The new plant will be commissioned by November 2007," adds Patel. The company has al- ready carried out in-house R&D for the injectable NDDS and has placed orders for the import of machinery from Europe and US. "By October 2007, we will receive delivery of the machinery," informs Patel. The company is tight-lipped over the technology that will be used for the production of injectable NDDS. Once the machinery are delivered, the company will apply for US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for a licence. "In March 2008, we will try to get our facility of the new injectable NDDS inspected for availing of USFDA approval for the facility clubbing the present facility of Dehradhun," adds Patel.

The company is aiming to market the product in domestic market as well as in the overseas market. "In the first year of the operation, we expect to earn Rs 15-20 crore from the domestic market and Rs 10-15 crore from exports," adds Patel. Initially, the company will start with one product of its injectable NODS and then it will be followed by three different injectable NDDS products.

> Business Standard - Tuesday 3 May 2007, Ahmedabad

Troikaa to launch gel for fissures

Vishal Dutta Ahmedabad, 2 May

Ahmedabad-based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd, will soon launch gel application for treating anal fissures. Ketan Patel, managing director of Troikaa Pharma, told Business Standard, "In the first week of May we will launch Diltiazem gel for treating anal fissure." The company claims that Troikaa Pharma will be the first to launch the Diltiazem gel for the anal fissures. Under the conventional treatments, the patients are either given local anesthesia or steroids as a temporary relief from pain and inflammation. But up till now there was no specific treatment available for anal fissure disease in form of direct application for the cure of the disease. Diltiazem is a old molecule that is already known to the medical world and ids normally used as Calcium channel blocker for hypertension (blood pressure) in different doses. Medical study throughout out the world had also proved that the 'Diltiazem' is also beneficiary for the treatment of anal fissure disease.

Diltiazem, when applied in lower quantity on the anal mucosa, it relaxes internal anal sphincter muscle that causes fall in maximum anal resting pressure resulting in reversible chemical sphincterotomy.

> DNA Money, Ahmedabad Thursday, November 30, 2006

Troikaa launches infusion monitoring device

DNA Money Correspondent Ahmedabad

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. on Wednesday launched another product based on a design of an unsung innovator: The product is a life-drug infusion monitoring device, Accuflow. It is designed for accurate monitoring as well as to avoid unwarranted burden on the nursing staff while patient is on a drip claimed the company.' Claiming that Accuflow has been pre-tested at several places. Troikaa MD Ketan Patel said. '''This will help in avoiding unwarranted frantic calls and visits from patients' relatives regarding the infusion status. The readings are prominently displayed on the LED display, so that it saves time and minimises hassles for the paramedical staff."

Patel claimed an alarm system was installed in the device to alert if the patient was in any danger. "Accuflow is an easy-to-use device and will reduce healthcare cost, particularly as there is a shortage of paramedics across the world," he added.

Conceived by a Kolhapur-based electronic engineer Sanjeev Gokhle, this syringe monitoring system received a gold medal from Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at IIM-A under the National Search for Innovation programme (ANVESHAN) in 2004. Accuflow was modified by Troikaa making it commercially viable and National Institute of Designing (NID) gave the final touches to its design.

> Business Standard, Ahmedabad - Thursday, November 30, 2006

Troikaa Pharma launches IV infusion system

BS REPORTER - Ahmedabad, 29 November

Ahmedabad-based Rs. 75 crore Troikaa Pharmaceuticals has launched an infusion system under the brand name of "Accuflow" for the domestic market. The company also plans to make it available to more than 35 countries worldwide. Accuflow is an infusion system with an in-built micro-processor that measures the infusion flow rates in terms of drops per minute or ml per hour along with the total volume infused.The device's technology is compatible with all standard IV and micro IV sets. Speaking on the occasion, Ketan Patel, managing director, Troikaa Pharmaceuticals, said, "The infusion system is unique as it will prove to be economically viable as well as user-friendly. We would be launching "Accuflow" in 35-plus countries."The device was conceptualised by Sanjeev Gokhale, an engineer by profession, and was identified by Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), under their national search for Innovation programme.

It was further developed by Troikaa Pharma.

> The Economic Times, Ahmedabad - Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Gain with Pain:

Troikaa pharma going global with painless diclofenac injection

Narayab Bhatt - Ahmedabad

NICHE pharmaceutical's products-based company Troikaa Pharmaceuticals is going global with the world's only 'painless diclofenac injection'. After having created a Rs 12-crore brand for this product in India, Troikaa is going to out-licence this technology to global players to market it in France, Malaysia and China. In a couple of years Torque has made this product a Rs. 8 crore brand through its own 'Dynapar AQ', while another Rs. 4 crore is the sales generated by Nicholas Piramal's 'Zobid' brand for which the technology has been out licensed by Troikaa.

"As we are not big enough to market this new product on our own, we have licensed the technology to an Indian pharma major to sell it in Malaysia and China. We are also finalising a technology transfer deal with a French company which will market it in France", says Ketan Patel. Managing Director, Troikaa Pharma. The company has got an Indian patent for this new technology and it will now get it patented in another 30 plus countries. The Rs. 75 crore pharma company is targeting a turnover of over Rs. 100 crore this year. Exports are going to double this year to Rs. 30 crore as the company has registered more products in over 35 countries. Alter commissioning its new Rs. 20 crore plant in Dehradun recently, Troikaa will invest an additional Rs. 12 crore to set up a small volume parenterals unit there. A major expansion at its Ahmedabad facility also been finalised. "Over the next three years we plan to invest about Rs. 50 crore", says Patel. Troika has started marketing 'Accuflow', a smart infusion system which was developed by Sandeep Gokhale who won an award for it from llM-A's 'Anveshan' initiative. It will not only reduce greatly the burden on nurses, the product will also identify any inferior quality infusion bottles," says Patel.

To tap the emerging contract research outsourcing arena, Troikaa has started working on the first such project from an US-based company.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad - Tuesday, December 26, 2006

ACCUFLOW set for country-wide launch

Ahmedabad: Kolhapur-based Sanjiv Gokhale's innovation is all set to change the way IV fluids are administered to patients in India. His invention Accuflow, which allows nurses to preset the inflow rate and volume of IV fluid infusion and also buzzes an alarm on the completion of the fluid bottle, is all set for a country wide launch by city-based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals. Gokhale had won a gold medal from the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Two years back for his innovative device inflow that proposed to introduce a more precise and cost effective method to monitor intravenous (IV) drug infusions and blood transfusions. Troikaa was identified to improve upon the product, conduct clinical trials and market the same. The device was tested in four hospitals across the country and will be launch in its new avatar as Accuflow next week. "The microprocessor based device now has a printed circuit board and a rechargeable battery. Moreover, the alarm is softer on the doctors' insistence," Troikaa MD Ketan Patel said. In present hospital practice, the monitoring of the number of drops falling per minute into the drip chamber of the IV set is done manually by hospital nurses, increasing the scope of human error. Moreover many times the completion of the IV fluid administration goes unnoticed by the nursing staff resulting in panic calls from the relatives. ''Apart from monitoring the inflow rate which is prominently displayed, the devise also has sensors which detect faulty IV sets", said Patel.

Patel said Accuflow has already been installed in a number of corporate hospitals in Ahmedabad and they are looking for a successful hospital launch since the device is competitively priced.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Each drop counts

Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at IIM-A, has, under their National Search for Innovation Programme ANVESHAN, awarded a gold medal to Kolhapur's Sanjeev Gokhale, for his unique infusion flow monitor invention - Accuflow. The smart infusion system, which is one of its kind in the world, is a microprocessor controlled device which accurately measures infusion flow rates in terms of drops/minute or ml/hr and total volume infused. Accuflow is compatible with all standard IV and micro IV sets, while also detecting faulty IV sets with defective drip chambers. It has an inbuilt alarm system that can be triggered with drop rate deviation and/or total volume completion, and consists of an arrangement which can accommodate drip chambers of various shapes and sizes. Accuflow, which has been successfully evaluated in clinical settings at various medical centres across the country, prominently displays the readings on the LED display, thus enabling the medical staff to keep a tab on multiple beds.

Express News Service : Ahmedabad, 29 November 2006

ACCUFLOW first product to be supported by IIM-A scheme

Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd has come out with a revolutionary device that measures rate of infusion flow in terms of drops per minute and total volume of IV fluid infused in a patient. Accuflow, as the product is named, is a microprocessor controlled device, result of an award- winning research by Kolhapur - based engineer Sanjeev Gokhale. Incidentally, Accuflow is the first product that has been supported by Anveshan programme of the IIM-A under its Center for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), which was set up in 2001 with Government support. At the launch programme here on Wednesday, Troikaa managing director Ketan Patel said the product would add value to infusion and his company was to export it to 35 countries. An application for its patent had already been filed, he added.

Sanjeev Gokhale, the innovator said the idea for the product was in his mind since 1989 and it ultimately came out some time back after which clinical trials were conducted and now it was launched by Troikaa. He said the National Institute of Design (NID) had improved upon its design. According to Dr. G. P. Dureja of Delhi Pain Management Center and Dr. Bipin Patel, the secretary, Gujarat State Branch of the Indian Medical Association, Ahmedabad, the device was capable of averting medical emergencies caused by reasons like over infusion, besides providing duty nurses great relief in monitoring the drip flow. They said it was successfully tested in different conditions and situations at hospitals.

It is a boon to small hospitals which are hard pressed for staff. Gokhale said his next stop would be to add more value to Accuflow by inventing an attachment to it that should work as infusion set.

"DNA-MONEY" : Ahmedabad Tuesday October 3, 2006

Sristi-Troikaa initiative to 'add value' to villages in the state

New herbal cream will cure eczema and other skin diseases
Urvashi Dev Rawal Ahmedabad

Under a new concept being propagated by city-based Troikaa Pharmaceuticals and NGO Sristi, villagers are being encouraged to transform themselves into processors of herbal medicines from being mere vendors of raw materials. Farmers from different districts in Gujarat have gone beyond the ordinary and provided the herbs that have been used to develop an ointment, Herbavate, which claims to cure eczema and other skin related diseases. Herbavate has six proven medicinal herbs - turmeric, kantakari, giant milk weed, camphor, karaj and apricot seed oil. These were purified, standardised, and analysed by modern analytical techniques for content and purity to ensure consistent quality. A patent has been filed for Herbavate and we plan to file patents for the 36 countries where Troikaa is present, said Gupta. "Villages should not only be used for sourcing raw materials. They should add some value to products at the initial stage," Prof. Anil Gupta, faculty at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, told DNA Money. He added that the amount of energy saved in transporting a truckload of extract would be quite significant than dispatching a truckload of raw material. "This way we will not only save energy, but also generate employment," he said. Initially the new venture will be undertaken in five districts - Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Panchmahal, Bhavnagar and Dangs. It is likely to begin in the next 2­3 months, Gupta said.

Troikaa will set up centres in these places where they will provide training to villagers and the extraction will be done from the herbs through a method given by the company.

At the launch of Herbavate, MD of Troikaa pharma, Ketan Patel, said a big deterrent to acceptance of herbal medicines was the skepticism among the medical fraternity and the issue quality and consistency. "We have put in a lot of effort to ensure that the two main concerns - quality and standardisation - were taken care of. We are confident that this product will do well, " he said. He added that there was skepticism of herbal products even by the medical fraternity. However, some doctors have agreed to carry out trials for Herbavate, which had shown promising initial results, Patel said. Under the new venture, the villagers will be paid for value addition they make in addition to payment of royalty from the sales of the product under a benefit sharing model that has been worked out, said Gupta. Under the formula, 30% goes to the innovators, 20% to the innovation fund, 15% is for institutional over­heads, 15% for R&D, 10% given to the community, 5% put back in nature, and 5% is given to women. The six farmers - Amritbhat Raval, Pujabhai Dhabi, Vajabhai Parmar, Lakshmanbhai Pargi, and Lakhanbhai Khatana - who pooled in their knowledge to help in the preparation of Herbavate were also present. Gupta said villagers were the repositories of traditional knowledge. However, instead of merely providing raw materials they should be encouraged to do some value addition. Gupta said Troikaa has agreed to undertake the new concept for the production of Herbavate to begin with. "Later we hope to add other herbal products," he said. The farmers shared their knowledge of how various herbs were helpful in curing different diseases. An alert 104-year-old Parmar from Khedbrahma district, fielded questions from the media with aplomb. Asked about the secret of his longevity, he quipped, "Avoid junk food and live a contented life." About 20% of the world's population is afflicted by eczema, a chronic itchy rash that causes red patches on the skin, leaving it hard and scaly. Allopathic has no cure for the ailment and doctors treat the condition with corticosteroids that only relieve the discomfort.

Gupta is founder of Sristi (Society for Research & Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies & Institutions) which helps peasants register patents for innovations devised in their daily work.

"DNA MONEY" - Gujarat Vyapar : Ahmedabad Thursday, September 28, 2006

Troikaa patents new process

First company to patent painless diclofenac injection
Urvashi Dev Rawal, Ahmedabad

lnjecting the painkiller diclofenac will no longer be painful. City based pharmaceutical company Troikaa has developed a new drug delivery system that administers diclofenac in a painless way. In fact, Troikaa claims that this is the first time in the world that a painless diclofenac injection has been devised. The company has acquired a patent for Aquatech, the process by which diclofenac sodium, which is normally not water soluble, can be dissolved in water. The formulation is called DYNAPAR AQ Injection. "This will be the first commercially exploited patent in this segment," Ketan Patel, managing director of Troikaa, told DNA Money. The patent will be valid till 2017 in around 50 countries. The firm has entered into an agreement with Nicholas Piramal, for outsourcing the formulation. "We are manufacturing the drug for Nicholas Piramal which they are selling under their brand name," said Patel. The company, had tied up with another leading Indian pharma firm to market the formulation in South East Asia starting with Malaysia and Singapore. This will come through by middle of next year," said Patel. Diclofenac is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug taken to reduce inflammation and an analgesic reducing pain. "Conventional diclofenac sodium injections have considerably high viscosity and contain propylene glycol, which cause the pain when it is injected. Therefore, these Injections cannot be tolerated in the deltoid region (shoulder)," said Patel. But Dynapar AQ manufactured by the aquatech process, overcomes these limitations. The formulation has been validated by clinical trials conducted at KEM Hospital, Mumbai. AIIMS, New Delhi. V.S. Hospital, Ahmedabad as well as other hospitals. Patel said Dynapar AQ had emerged as the second largest brand in the market since its launch in 2003. "The average monthly sales in 2003 was 2,22,000 ampoules while last month, it was 18,000,00 ampoules," said Patel. The 3ml ampoules are sold at about Rs 10. Apart from critical care, Troikaa also has a presence in cardiovascular, orthopedic and gynecology segments. It had a turnover of Rs 55 crore last fiscal and is looking at touching Rs 75 crore this year.

The company has a manufacturing unit at Thol, near Ahmedabad and another in Dehradun which was commissioned three months back. It has a tie up with a Swiss firm Pentapharm for manufacturing haemostatics, agents that arrest the flow of blood.