Laboratoires OM Taking The Global View

In the shadow of pharmaceutical giants Novartis and Roche, LaboratoiresOM, an independent family-owned firm founded in 1937 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, has steadily built up a presence in more than 100 countries and consolidated sales of 180 million Swiss francs ($121.3 million). The company's success has been based on a small product portfolio aided by an extensive global network of licensing partners (see table below), most notably in Europe.

OM's lead product is Broncho-Vaxum, a bacterial extract which, when administered orally, stimulates the body's immune defenses and strengthens resistance to infections of the respiratory system. Broncho-Vaxom accounts for more than 40% of total sales and is currently available in over 40 countries, according to Reto Baumann, responsible for OM's operations in Latin America, the Middle and Far East. He told the Marketletter that the product was launched in Brazil last month and the pick-up rate has been exceptional, with sales for the first year expected to reach 4 million francs. He added that the company expects to register Broncho-Vaxom in China in the near future.

Contributing some 25% to total turnover is Doxium (calcium dobesilate), for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy as well as chronic venous insufficiency with pain, cramps and paresthesia. It is recommended as an adjuvant in the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis and OM notes that the product is well tolerated whatever the duration of therapy.