INDIAN BIOTECHS EYE OFF-PATENT WINDFALL

India's biotech industry could reap the benefits as 11 blockbuster drugs lose patent protection in 2006. Major products facing patent expiry include anaemia treatment Epogen and insulin products Novolin and Humulin.

India's Export-Impact Bank estimates that the products could be worth as much as US$13.5bn to the global sector, with Indian players well positioned to take a sizeable share. India also hopes that its well-developed, low-cost environment will attract leading biogenerics manufacturers looking to outsource production.

Indian biotech exports were worth US$451mn in 2005. The domestic generics market is valued at some US$3.3bn, but Indian companies are increasingly pursuing opportunities in emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Africa, where demand for low-cost medicines is strong.