Indigenous PEGEX launched

Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a 100 per cent vertically integrated arm of Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited based out of Pune has announced the commercial launch of indigenously developed PEGEX (Pegfilgrastim) in India. PEGEX (Pegfilgrastim) is indicated to reduce the duration of Neutropenia and also the incidence of febrile Neutropenia in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy for treatment of cancer. A company statement claimed that the cost of PEGEX(Pegfilgrastim) is Rs 17,900 to the patient, which is the most economical brand as compared to other pegfilgrastim brands which are currently priced above Rs 27,000. Talking about Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, CEO Dr Sanjay Singh said, “Our scientists have developed Elaxim, the only bio-similar tenectaplase available today. It has been used in 11,000 patients in India, and data from 2100 such patients are published in peer-reviewed journals. With the launch of PEGEX (Pegfilgrastim), Gennova is fulfilling its mission of offering cost effective high end technology medicines produced in India”.

Health sector vigoured

More than 80 per cent private equity investment is likely in healthcare, education and clean energy. In future as these three sectors are emerging as most favoured ones for private equity (PE) investors in India, according to a joint paper brought out by Deloitte and ASSOCHAM. PE investment in these sectors suits their investors the most as the aforesaid areas assured return on investments for a period exceeding 5 years, pointed out joint findings of Deloitte and ASSOCHAM paper. Increasing private equity investment in health sector is based on the fact that health sector witnessed inflow of US$ 148 million across 15 deals in 2009. Their numbers and investment volumes have already shot up substantially in first 3 months of 2010.

Cricketainment !

IPL is drawing advertisers out as never before. There is lot of innovation on the cards. Wrigley, the leading gum company, has launched a campaign for IPL this season involving its popular brands. Wrigley’s leading brands Orbit® sugar-free chewing gum and Boomer® bubble gum are engaging consumers in two interactive consumer campaigns for each of the brands. Titled Orbit 12th Man and Boomer T20 Mania, the campaigns will give cricket lovers and consumers a chance to inch closer to their favourite IPL teams. A company statement said, “Orbit 12th Man is a unique contest which gives 49 lucky winners a chance to stay, fly and interact with their favourite team and take home exclusive goodies and merchandise. The promotion is based on SMS platform; details of which can be found on the official contest site www.orbit12thman.com.” Cricketainment is the new buzzword that unites corporate, cricket, and Bollywood.

Agile Agilent

Another global major is headed towards India and has established base in India. Agilent Technologies, global premier measurement company and a technology major in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis, has strengthened its presence in the country by opening its new state-of-the-art campus in Manesar. Agilent has invested approximately $40 million in this facility, highlighting its commitment to India and its growth potential. The new facility will house 1200 of the company’s total 1500 workforce in India, with a total seating capacity of 1800 people. This leaves ample room for further expansion. The campus will support the Company’s back office operations, including corporate controllership, IT and business centers, field entities, field operations as well as R&D operations.