Posted to MediaSyndicate.com (Apr 06, 2009 - 07:39 AM) : EXISTING TIE-UP WITH STERISOL AB OF SWEDEN ENABLES COMPANY TO OFFER COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

TARGETS TO CAPTURE 10% MARKET SHARE BY 2010-END


Setting its sight on the fast growing infection control segment, the Rs 5.5. bn Elder Pharmaceuticals Limited (NSE – ELDERPHARM) has inked a strategic alliance in this sector with M/s Chemische Fabrik Dr. Weigert GmbH & Co. KG, German and European leader in Equipment, services and technologies for infection control related to operating theatres, diagnostics, patient hygiene, patient handling and wound care. Elder is already well established in this segment by virtue of its existing tie-up with Ms Sterisol AB of Sweden.

Headquartered in Germany, Dr Weigert is the biggest player in hygiene products in Europe and the world leader in new generation infection control products. Its machine-reprocessing methods for medical instruments and equipment are considered to be the best in the world. Established in 1912, Dr Weigert has presence in over 40 countries across the world.

By virtue of this tie-up Elder has introduced Dr Weigert’s advanced infection control products in India to the Medical, Veterinary, Environmental and Government sectors. Some of the company’s existing products in this segment are Sterisol Soap, Sterisol Hand Disinfectant, Neodisher range for instruments and devices and MedDis for chemical sterilization from Sterisol. Sterisol is the pioneer in advanced Medical Enviro-security and personal hygiene products.

Elder’s product portfolio in this segment now consists of a complete range of hand hygiene products, disinfectors and sterilization equipment designed to meet strict hygiene and environmental standards and covering not only instruments but also Surfaces, Skin, Clothing and Air.

Says Alok Saxena, Director, Elder Pharmaceuticals, “We are confident that our expertise in handling innovative products, as well as our extensive distribution network covering the entire country, will be the key success factors for such products in India.” The Infection Control segment - valued at about Rs 750 crore is showing a healthy growth of 18% per annum - higher than the total pharmaceutical market’s growth rate of 8.6%.

The company has identified the Infection control segment as a major thrust area due to a number of reasons. Nosocomial infections or Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) affect approximately 2 million patients or 10% of those hospitalized annually in India. Studies show that nearly one-third of nosocomial infections can be prevented by a property implemented infection control programme. But only less than 10% are actually prevented. HAI have a significant impact on medical costs, hospital stay, and mortality among patients. Adds Saxena, "We are upbeat about this sector as we expect awareness and demand to surge in the coming years in view of the growth in the number of private hospitals who are more stringent about hygiene and the rise in medical tourism necessitating better hygiene.”

With the Indian Healthcare Sector poised for a phenomenal growth, Elder continues to hunt for world class technologies globally in order to bring them to the Indian Hospitals/healthcare sector.

About Elder

Elder Pharmaceuticals Limited, with a turnover of Rs 550 cr in FY 08 is primarily a pharmaceuticals company having presence in niche therapeutic segments like female healthcare, osteoporosis, Dermatology, pain management, Cardiology, diabetology, nutraceuticals and vitamin supplements. The company also has substantial interests in Medical Devices and non-pharmaceutical medical products. Elder has a judicious mix of self-owned and in-licensed products.

From: Mitesh M Kapadia, [+91 98205 03876], Sentinel Public Relations / Sentinel Advertising Services, B-603, Samajdeep, Near Bhanu Park/Seasons Restaurant, Adukia Road, Off S V Road, Kandivli (W), Mumbai 400 067. INDIA Tel: (022) 28625131/32. Fax: (022) 28625133. Email: mitesh@publicrelationindia.com. URL: www.publicrelationindia.com.

Resources: www.elderindia.com; http://www.drweigert.com/; http://www.sterisol.se/eng/com/; http://www.medichem.co.uk

April 2009