No other state has issued a similar order banning new licences to medical shops.
The move signals that the ministry has begun to take a tough stand on environmental clearances in ecologically sensitive areas.
Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the representative body of US-based drug firms, has said it does not support the seizure of legitimate generic medicines meant for developing country destinations.
Carlos M Correa of Brazil, a patent expert of international repute whose views have been widely quoted by the Mashelkar committee to support its conclusions, has complained of 'misinterpretation' of some quotes from a published article titled 'Integrating Public Health Concerns into Patent Legislation in Developing Countries'.
The central government's decision to stockpile another 20 million capsules of generic Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) to strengthen its preparedness to fight the H1N1 epidemic has alerted domestic pharmaceutical companies.
Despite the best efforts of Indian vaccine makers to develop the H1N1(swine flu) vaccine, Swiss drug major Novartis and Australian vaccine maker CSL may be the first ones to bag the orders from the central government for its supply.
The change of mind among Indian experts is based on a recent decision of the UK high court.
Pharma industry lauds idea, but suggests looser rules on ground
The government is planning to approach the dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organization against frequent seizure of Indian medicines at various European ports.
For instance, two of GSKCH's OTC products -- Eno and Iodex -- command a household penetration of 9 and 10 per cent respectively in metro cities. GSKCH has already drafted a channel strategy for modern trade in collaboration with South African retailer Shoprite, where cross-category and checkout placements were identified as an opportunity to create a shopping occasion through impulse buying.
After beverages and chips, the US major is now betting big on the biscuits market in India.
Indian drug companies, which have introduced copies of biotechnology drugs in the country, are bullish over the marketing prospects of 'biogenerics' after patents expire in developed markets. Experts say Indian companies may not repeat the success they achieved in selling generic medicines in biogenerics. The cost of clinical trials and the absence of substitutability will ensure that only those with deep pockets to launch such products globally will succeed, they feel.
Pfizer, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, has filed patent infringement suits against Sun Pharma, Wockhardt Ltd and Lupin Ltd to prevent these companies from securing marketing approvals for the generic equivalents of its high-selling neuropathic pain management drug Lyrica in the United States.
Both PepsiCo's 'Youngistaan' brand ambassadors -- Virender Sehwag, captain of Delhi Daredevils, and Ishant Sharma, member of Kolkata Knight Riders -- have been formally present at various promotional activities for arch-rival Coca-Cola India, simply because Coca-Cola is the associate sponsor and the official pouring partner for both Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Among the minority who are relieved at the rising heat are consumer durables' companies and retailers. Air conditioner (AC) sales are picking up in anticipation of a hot summer.
In yet another setback to Swiss drug multinational Novartis AG, the Indian patent office has rejected its application to secure a patent for an alfa crystal form of its blockbuster cancer medicine, Glivec.
Videocon, Philips and Godrej are reworking strategy to grow their small appliance business. Last year, their focus was on high-end products. This shift to the low-end segment, they believe, will help them maintain their sales growth from Tier-II & Tier-III cities, while simultaneously helping them penetrate into rural areas. Home appliances account for over Rs 50 billion of the Rs 320 billion consumer durable business and is growing at a rate of 10-12 per cent.
The company has started using a new composite material for manufacturing refrigerators which will subsequently be rolled out to other product lines. The company has also done away with its regular corrugated boxes for packaging to incorporate stretch-hood film packaging and shrink wrapping. Stretch-hood packaging boasts of benefits such as better load stability, flexible adaptation to load height, width and depth and weather protection (rain, dirt and dust-proof).
Recently, DLF, the country's largest real estate developer, wrote to buyers of its new housing project in Gurgaon about a cut in apartment prices by 20 per cent. According to the new plan, buyers will get 5 per cent discount over the basic sale price, another 10 per cent as timely-payment rebate and an increase in the compensation rate for delay from Rs 5 per sq ft per month to Rs 10 per sq ft per month.
This comes right after DLF, the largest property developer, brought out a range of measures to soothe restive customers at a couple of other housing projects at Gurgaon. The Unitech customer ire is due to alleged delay in completion of World Spa, apartments and villas that carry an average price tag of over Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) per unit.
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