A new GCC-based drug manufacturer has started operations here.
The new product line, Zynova, from Oman Pharmaceutical Products Co, has been introduced in the Oman market.
The promoter Al Bahja Group hopes to launch the products in neighbouring GCC markets shortly.
"We have had positive feedback from the GCC centralised committee after their audit last month at our factory in Salalah," said Rajendra H. Bhandari, general manager.
Bhandari said the $50 million state-of-the-art plant has an annual installed capacity to produce 900 million units of tablets, 300 million units of capsules, 12 million bottles of liquid orals, 7.5 million tubes of topical and 7.5 million bottles of dry powder.
The range now available includes a cough syrup, painkillers, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal and medicines to treat cardio-vascular diseases.
"Antibiotics and hormones will be added to the product range by the year-end," Bhandari said.
The company has already registered 10 products with Oman's Ministry of Health (MoH). It is in the process of getting MoH approval for 23 more products.
Bhandari said the company was eyeing Europe, the US, Africa and Southeast Asia for exports. The company has a research and development centre and has firmed up technology transfer pacts with other companies and research institutes such as India's Cipla and the Mumbai-based University Institute of Chemical Technology. It also has an arrangement with a Jordanian firm for clinical trials.
Noting the future of healthcare was in biotechnology, the official added the aim was to be in that field as soon as possible.
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