The largest drugmaker of Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company has chalked out detailed plans to enter and build its presence in India as part of its mid-range plan, much of it scheduled to be implemented in the next two years. In a multi-pronged engagement strategy, Takeda plans to penetrate the Rs 55,000-crore domestic market to increase its revenue share from one the fastest growing drug market on one hand while on the other hand, the Japanese firm aims to leverage the cost-efficient drug manufacturing capabilities of the country and use it as an important source-base. To consolidate its presence in India, the Japansese firm may also consider acquiring a stake in a local drug firm, a Takeda official said. The official, however added that the inorganic way is just one of the many options that is being evaluated by the firm right now.
Elaborating on the company’s plans for India, Mihoko Shinomiya of Takeda told FE over phone from Japan that the firm is in advanced talks with a bunch of Indian companies to launch its existing pipeline of drugs by using the local firm’s distribution channels and marketing muscle. Eventually as part of its mid-term to long term strategy, Takeda would also outsource part of its drug discovery and development process and contract research, manufacturing as well as conduct part of its clinical trials and outsource clinical data processing to India, Shinomiya added.
Shinomiya told FE that the company also intends to deepen its presence in the Russsian and Australian market, the roadmap for which is yet to be announced.
Since 2008, when Daiichi Sankyo’s acquired Ranbaxy’s Labs Ltd there has been a growing interest among major Japanese drug firms in the Indian generic drug industry. While Takeda, the largest drug firm of Japan by market share has already announced its plan to enter India, Mitsui & Co acquired a minority stake in an Indian drug firm early this month. Many others are exploring different models of building presence and striking partnership with local firms.
