Biolab stands up to besetment and invests in new drugs in 2011
Valor Econômico
In a year marked by the consolidation movement, in which foreign and national pharmaceuticals fought inch-by-inch for the laboratories interested in selling their control, the Brazilian Biolab escaped unharmed and guarantees it does not intend to change hands. At least that is what says Cleiton de Castro Marques, President of the company. With no inclination for generics - segment of drugs that became the "apple of the eyes" of the multinationals and large national groups - the Brazilian company is betting on its own researches to increase its portfolio in the country.
The goal for 2011, is to grow organically either through partnerships to develop new medicines or through its own researches to consolidate the Biolab products in the market. According to Marques, the company wants to increase its business through the launching of products. In 2011 they will be 12 - two under license and 10 of them fruit of their own development. The first molecule of the company - an antimycotic with antibacterial function - should be presented in 2012. "We have 32 molecules under research", he says.
With estimated sales at R$ 615 million (US$ 361.8 million) throughout 2010, the perspective is that the income gets to R$ 700 million (US$ 411.8 million) next year, projected growth of 15%. The company, with two plants in Metropolitan Region of São Paulo - Taboão da Serra and Jandira -, besides a research and development center (R&D) in Itapecerica da Serra (SP), has withstood the constant besetment of large companies, including multinationals, interested in expanding or even making their entrance in the Brazilian market.
The focus of the pharmaceutical are prescription drugs in the specialties of cardiology, 60% of the total, and gynecology and dermatology, principally. The company is also making its bets on dermocosmetics and in the segments of orthopedics and rheumatology, with anti-inflammatory medications. "Our focus is on innovation. We have no interest in fighting for the market of generics", says Marques. The company invests nearly 7% of its annual earnings in R&D. This year, the company entered into a joint venture with the German Merz in order to operate in the aesthetic area in Brazil. The main product developed by both companies will be the Xeonin, a botulinum toxin, to compete with the Botox, produced by the American Allergan and Dysport, of the French Ipsen. Other partnerships with foreign companies have been entered into in recent years for the development and sale of medicines.