Dubai: 4 March, 2009 - Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments, today announced Natrol Global FZ LLC, manufacturers of herbal products, will base their regional headquarters at DuBiotech to cater to the increasing demand for nutritional supplements in the Middle East and Africa regions.

Natrol Global is a sister company of Natrol Inc, US, and a subsidiary of Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a herbal/nutraceutical focus company that engages in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical and allied healthcare products. Nutraceuticals are health food supplements that include products such as functional foods, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sports nutrition, energy and wellness drinks.

Marwan Abdul Aziz, Director of DuBiotech Park, said: "The addition of Natrol Global to our community is a testament to DuBiotech's dedication to attracting global leaders to the region. It also validates Natrol's foresight in identifying the potential of the MENA region. The biotechnology industry is increasingly acquiring greater significance in the region and DuBiotech is committed to catering to the needs of the regional life sciences industry."

Chirag Patel, CEO, Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said: "The Middle East will serve as our 'sunrise' region, giving us an edge over our peers in quickly accessing not only the Middle East but also the CIS, South East Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Given the fact that Nutraceutical is profoundly consumer-oriented, we can react faster to the changing economic scenarios as well as to the shifting consumer preferences."

M. Imran, Business Head-MENA, Natrol Global, said: "The regional nutritional supplements market is growing at a rapid pace with increasing awareness on health benefits and changing lifestyle. Stay fit, look and feel good factors are driving food supplements' consumption by more than 30 per cent annually. According to our study, the regional market potential for nutraceuticals is worth more than US$500 million and our target is to achieve more than 15 per cent market share.

"Our presence at Dubiotech in Dubai will give our dedicated team of professionals an opportunity to understand local needs and deliver services with a global perspective, translating our commitment to provide superior products and services to our consumers and business partners."

Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd will also set up a manufacturing facility to manufacture lozenges, tablets for cough, cold and throat infection and various other dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and syrups. The facility being built with an initial investment of US$35 million will cater to the GCC countries, Middle East, Africa, European Union, the US and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Globally, the sale of nutraceuticals products are poised to hit US$187.4 billion by 2010 from US$155.9 billion in 2007. Analysts say margins in nutraceuticals are more attractive than in drugs, as they are over-the-counter products.

Established in 1980, Natrol's portfolio of brands includes Natrol®, MRI, Prolab®, BioSil™, Laci Le Beau®, Promensil®, Trinovin®, Nu Hair® and Shen Min®. The company also manufactures products on behalf of third parties. Natrol distributes products through more than 54,000 retailers in the US, as well as internationally in over 40 other countries through partners and subsidiaries in Europe and Asia.

Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is dedicated to creating an advanced technical and community infrastructure to accelerate the growth of life sciences industry. It is also working closely with the UAE Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other relevant regulatory bodies to further develop the industry in the country and the region.

-Ends-

About DuBiotech
Announced in February 2005, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is a science and business park dedicated to the biotechnology industry, set within a 'free zone'. DuBiotech has two arms.  The first is the Foundation for Research and Innovation (FRI) that will initially focus on government-funded R&D in medicine and genetics, plant biotechnology encompassing food and agricultural biotech, environmental biotech and equine-related biotechnology.  Other areas include drug discovery, stem cell research, infectious diseases and forensic research.  The second arm of DuBiotech aims to set up a biotechnology industry cluster with cutting-edge infrastructure, facilities and services for incubators, R&D labs, biotech-related educational institutions, suppliers, biotech-related manufacturing companies and organizations from other sectors in the industry.  DuBiotech is advised by an independent steering committee on scientific, business and ethical matters. In cooperation with global research leader, RTI International, DuBiotech is developing comprehensive regulations that address all aspects of biotech activity. Being in a 'free zone' means biotechnology firms in the park have 100 % exemption from any form of taxation for 50 years, 100 % business ownership and 100 % repatriation of capital.

For further information, please call:
Zeba Ahmad
JiWiN
Tel: +9714 361 3590 (direct)
+9714 361 3333 (switchboard)
Fax: +9714 388 8001
e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae   

Hammam Alyazji
JIWIN
Mob: +971 50 923 2100
Direct: +9714 3755877
e-mail: Hammam.Alyazji@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2009