Daiichi Sankyo To Sell Generics In Brazil

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Daiichi Sankyo Co. (4568) said Wednesday that it will work with Indian unit Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. to launch generics in Brazil.

It aims to ring up sales of 40 billion yen in Latin America in fiscal 2017 or so, up 16% from fiscal 2012.

Later this month, Brazilian unit Daiichi Sankyo Brasil Farmaceutica Ltda. will begin selling two generic drugs for epilepsy. Ranbaxy, which specializes in generics, will produce the drugs in India for export to Brazil. Daiichi Sankyo Brasil's sales staff will market them to hospitals.

Daiichi Sankyo's overseas operations have primarily focused until now on marketing brand-name drugs for treating high-blood pressure and other conditions. But it now anticipates growing demand for generics in emerging markets.

For its part, Ranbaxy will expand its lineup of drugs to strengthen its presence in Brazil.

Brazil's market for pharmaceuticals totaled 1.3 trillion yen or so in 2011, making it the sixth largest in the world. It is expected to double in size to 2.6 trillion yen in 2016, making it the fourth largest, with demand set to grow sharply for generics.

The Daiichi Sankyo group's sales in Brazil reach an annual 9 billion yen or so. France's Sanofi SA and U.S.-based Pfizer Inc. boast a big presence in Brazil, selling both brand-name and generic drugs. Daiichi Sankyo will work to raise its market share there with its branded and generic offerings.

(The Nikkei, April 18 morning edition)

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