Novo Nordisk, Torrent expand insulin capacity in Gujarat by 35 percent

Ahmedabad: World leader in diabetes care, the Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk, in partnership with Torrent Pharma, opened an enhanced facility in Gujarat and will be launching new products in the country-the home to the world's largest population of diabetes.

"With the inauguration of the second phase of the manufacturing facility at Indrad near here, we'll increase our insulin-producing capacity by 35 percent," Novo Nordisk managing director Melvin D'souza told here.

India is home to a whopping 73 million diabetic patients and Novo Nordisk holds 60 percent share of the Rs 2,200-crore insulin market in the country.

The expanded Indrad facility will help meet nearly 75 percent of the domestic insulin demand, D'souza said, adding through this partnership, they will continue to ensure cost-effective, high-quality medicines are available in the market.

Novo Nordisk through its manufacturing partner Torrent Pharma plans to bring in more insulin products into the domestic market.

"To meet 15 percent CAGR of insulin market here, we are looking at launching more advanced insulins in the coming years," said Frederik Kier, senior vice-president at Novo Nordisk, adding his the Danish company is committed to addressing the growing diabetes burden by working with all the stakeholders.

Jinesh Shah, executive director at Torrent said, "we look forward to working more collaboratively with Novo Nordisk to ensure the diabetes challenge is addressed effectively. We have already invested Rs 60 crore in this facility."

Congratulating both the partners, Peter Taksoe-Jensen, the Danish ambassador said, "it's a proud moment for Indo- Danish collaboration as Torrent and Novo Nordisk mark 25 years of partnership.