“Grindeks” has introduced a new active pharmaceutical ingredient


JSC “Grindeks” informs that it has introduced the new active pharmaceutical
ingredient (API) ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is used for production of
final dosage forms in the treatment of hepatic and gallstone diseases. 

“Grindeks” carried out the first deliveries of pilot series to German
pharmaceutical company “Marenis Pharma” already last year. After positive
quality assessment a multi-degree and long-term cooperation agreement was
concluded with “Grindeks”. 

Chairman of the Board of “Grindeks” Janis Romanovskis: “Research, development,
manufacturing and sales of active pharmaceutical ingredients is one of
“Grindeks” business fields, which we have purposefully developed over the last
years. Although we are small company in comparison with the global
pharmaceutical concerns, the introduction of this product confirms, that we are
serious player and reliable partner. The concluded agreement will increase our
competitiveness, as well as promote increase of exports.” 

Introduction of the UDCA product will diversify business activity of
“Grindeks”, extend a product portfolio, as well as development opportunities
within completely new medical therapeutic group for the company -
gastroenterologal diseases. 

In accordance with the concluded agreement, 30t of UDCA substance will be
delivered by “Grindeks” in 2011. In general, it will considerably extend and
even double the API's business of “Grindeks”. Three first deliveries of
industrial manufacturing series for the further development of final dosage
form are already supplied. 

Director of “Grindeks” Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Business unit Andris
Jegorovs: “Development and manufacturing of the UDCA is complicated and
time-consuming, but our highly experienced and professional specialists
empowered by advanced technologies can ensure introduction of high value-added
products. It is a new source of profit and international recognition for the
company.” 

In order to ensure regular development and manufacturing of the UDCA,
“Grindeks” has started construction of a new manufacturing unit with investment
of almost 6 million lats. The construction will be completed in 1.5 - 2 years.
The production area will provide 35 new work places. 

In 2008, the turnover of “Grindeks” APIs reached 5.1 million lats. “Grindeks”
regularly manufactures 16 types of complicated APIs created in multi-stage
synthesis. The main products are mildronate, ftorafur (tegafur), zopiclone,
oxytocin and the group of veterinary APIs. Strengthening of the existing market
positions and acquiring new positions are facilitated by development and
production in accordance with the standard of GLP (Good laboratory practice)
and GMP (Good manufacturing practice), as well as other international
recognitions of the compliance to international quality standards. 

 
About “Grindeks”

“Grindeks” is the leading pharmaceutical company in the Baltic States. The main
directions of its operation are research, development, manufacturing and sales
of original products, as well as generics and active pharmaceutical
ingredients. “Grindeks” specializes in the heart and cardiovascular,
psychotropic and anti-cancer therapeutic groups of medications. 
“Grindeks” concern consists of four subsidiary companies in Latvia, Estonia and
Russia; as well as representatives and representative offices in 14 countries.
Products of the company are exported to more than 40 countries and its export
comprises more than 96% of the total turnover. The main markets are the Baltic
States, Russia and other CIS countries, as well as Japan and USA. The shares of
JSC “Grindeks” are listed in the Official List of “NASDAQ OMX Riga”. 


Further information:

Laila Kļaviņa
Head of the Communications Department
JSC “Grindeks”
E-mail: laila.klavina@grindeks.lv
Phones: +371 67083370, +371 29256012