Swiss group Sandoz, the second-largest player on the global market of generic drugs, is considering relocating its drug re-analysis centre from Germany, with the possible destinations including Romania and Poland.
"Our plans include investments worth one million euros this year. However, there is a very strong possibility that we will receive approval from the European Union for a re-analysis centre, which would entail a major investment," said Iztok Sever, country head of Sandoz Romania, although he refused to specify the necessary investments for such a project.
Re-analysis is necessary in order to check that qualitative and quantitative European Union norms are met. According to Sever, drugs that originate from several European countries will be tested.
Sandoz also announced last year that it would examine the Romanian market for a greenfield project, which, at present, was on "stand-by".
The company currently owns two production facilities in Targu-Mures, one for penicillin, and another for macrolides (the most modern antibiotic).
Sandoz directly entered the Romanian market, via the acquisition of Slovenian-based Lek, which acquired local manufacturer Pharmatech a few years back. Over the last five years, investments conducted by Sandoz on the local market amounted to 40 million dollars, whilst the number of staff increased by over 200 people, according to data provided by Sever.
Sandoz Romania posted sales worth 88.4 million dollars on the local market last year (exports not included), up 33% against the 66.3 million dollars reported in 2006, according to company data, which cites pharmaceutical research company Cegedim.
"Our market share on the generics segment was of 7.2% in 2006, but increased to 8.3% last year. The target for 2008 is to reach a 9% market share. In 2007, we launched 14 new molecules, and this year we intend to launch another 24," added Sever.
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