Win Medicare launches hepatonorm analyzer for detecting liver diseases

Delhi Based win Medicare (P) Ltd has introduced Hepatonorm Analyzer, a novel product to detect Hepatic Encephalopathy - a disease that occur due to acute liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis in India.

Hepatonorm Analyzer is used to conduct "critical flicker frequency test", and is a device having a small light point, which is flickering with such a high frequency that it appears as a continuous light. 

The frequency is decreased gradually until the patient notices the flickering, and that frequency is noted. In the presence of HE, the flickering cannot be appreciated till much later than normal, stated a press release.

Win Medicare concentrates on sourcing technologies, pharmaceutical and healthcare products as well as the latest R&D from countries like Germany and Switzerland. The company had recently established licensing arrangement with Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Germany for marketing their Hepatotherapeutic and other pharmaceutical products including Contractubex, the release said.

Win Medicare has also established licensing arrangement with IBSA, Switzerland for bolstering its gynaecological products and Tillots Pharma AG Switzerland for its gastroenterology range of products. Amongst the newer offerings is the emergency contraceptive Norlevo (morning-after pill) from the original researcher, HRA Pharma, France & HRT form Orion Pharma Finland.

(Ref : CHRONICLE PHARMABIZ Dated December 23, 2004)

Hindustan Latex looks into clinical services and pharma foray

After making condoms for several decades, Hindustan Latex Ltd has drawn up a major diversification plan which will see the company foraying into hospital products, clinical services and even pharmaceutical sector.

The company is also looking at the option of making an acquisition in the pharma sector in line with its plan to make a foray into the sector. Sources said the PSU major has already zeroed in on a company in the pharma sector for a possible acquisition, though the plan still remains premature.

As part of the diversification plan, Hindustan Latex will enter into alliances with some of the leading international majors in  areas such as hospital products and hospital equipment. "We are currently preparing a road map for our growth plans till 2010, which we will take to the board soon. This would mainly involve foraying into newer area like hospital products and offering clinical services, besides driving up our core condom business in a big way," HLL MD, M Ayyappan told ET. The plan is based on the recommendations of consultancy major Ernst and Young. The company has targeted a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore by 2010. The PSU, which clocked a turnover of about Rs 205 crore. The proposed expansion is estimated cost in excess of Rs 300 crore.

Hindustan Latex also plans to set up a network of clinics, which would provide cheaper contraceptive inception and related medical serivices. KPMG is learnt to be helping the PSU formulate the business model for its clinical services foray. The company is already running a pilot project in Andhra Pradesh. It plans to take the franchisee route for setting up the clinics. Mr. Ayyappan said the company is currently in talks with a Chinese company for possible tie-up in a new range of contraceptives.

He, however, refused to divulge further details about it.

Sources said Hindustan Latex is also in talks with a Japanese company for an alliance for its proposed foray into hospital equipment segment. Though the name of the Japanese company could not be known, the company proposes to launch the whole range of hospital equipment including x-ray machines and scanner.

(Ref : Economic Times Dated December 18, 2004)