Wockhardt allows Eisai into India

One of India's leading pharmaceutical companies, Wockhardt, has granted a No Objection Certificate to Japanese drugmaker Eisai to establish a local manufacturing subsidiary, although it has an agreement with the latter for the local development, manufacture and supply of Methycobal (mecobalamin).

Wockhardt claims it has annual domestic sales of 200 million rupees ($4.4 million) from Methycobal, which is among Eisai's largest-selling products, generating global turnover of $400 million a year. The drug is used in the treatment of debilitating neuropathies, nerve degeneration caused by alcoholism and neuron rejuvenation.

In a press release, the Indian firm stated: "Eisai is a valued partner of Wockhardt, and the fact that it wants to come to India on its own is a positive statement on the maturity of the Indian industry. Our current licensing arrangement will not be affected by the development." Wockhardt signed an agreement with Eisai in November 1999 for the development, manufacture and distribution of Methycobal tablets and injections.