Roussel India, in which Hoechst Marion Roussel India held 66.67 per cent of the paid-up capital, is being amalgamated with the parent with effect from April 1, 1997. The amalgamation has been effected after Hoechst Marion Roussel bought the remaining 33.33 per cent equity capital of Roussel India held by Roussel Laboratories Ltd, UK.

Aleco's appointment as wholetime director on the Hoechst board for a three- year period with effect from November 3, 1998, is, however, subject to shareholder approval at the company's forthcoming annual general meeting. Aleco, a French national, was appointed director of Hoechst Marion Roussel India on March 5, 1998, in the casual vacancy caused by B Hofmann's resignation, according to details in the company's latest annual report.

Meanwhile, thecompany's new product-introduction programme is expected to "be in full swing" over the next two years. On the cards are new drugs to combat diabetes (Amaryl), for rheumatoid arthritis (Arava) and a series of vaccines. The company has launched six new products in 1998 including the non-sedating anti-allergic Allegra, the anti-diabetes drug Cetapin, and the topical steroid Dermatop.

Analysts say the company has made a royalty payment of Rs 1.92 crore for the year ended March 31, 1998. This may go up in the years to come, they add. Details of the products on which this payment was made could not be ascertained.

In vaccines, Hoechst Marion Roussel operates through a joint venture with Chiron Corporation of the US. The new joint-venture company has commenced manufacturing Hoechst's popular anti-rabies vaccine, Rabipur, at its Ankleshwar unit in Gujarat. The vaccine unit was sold to the new company for a consideration of Rs 19.4 crore in May 1998.

Hoechst India's association with Chiron is expected to bringin the benefits of the American multinational's rich research pipeline. Chiron's product portfolio and research pipeline comprise common pediatric vaccines and vaccines for rabies and hepatitis.