South Africa approves six Marck Biosciences pharma products

MUMBAI: Ahmedabad-based Marck Biosciences, a manufacturer and marketer of sterile dosages today said it has received South African Medicines Control Council approval (MCC) for six products manufactured at its Small Volume Parenterals ( SVP)facility at Kheda in Gujarat.

The South African market worth around $ 3.8 billion (2011), is growing at the rate of six per cent and is expected to reach $ 7 billion by 2018, with generics accounting for 60 per cent of the volume.

"The MCC approval will provide further impetus to our current expansion efforts in the African region. We would also augment our efforts by our own filing and licensing with new partners in South Africa. I see strong revenue potential in these underserved markets," Marck Biosciences' Managing Director Bhavesh Patel said in an official statement.

The MCC approval will also enable Marck Biosciences to export to markets like Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi and Madagascar. It is expected to result in waiver of inspection by the authorities of these countries and an easier registration of certified products.

The certification is also recognised by 43 participating authorities of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).