Source:
Economic Times India22 Apr, 2008, 0000 hrs IST
NEW DELHI: US-based $25-billion Merck, which started operations here three years ago, has set itself the target of garnering 4% market share and emerging as one the top 5 drug companies in the country by 2015. It also plans to launch drugs targeted to Indian patients and introduce a competitive pricing pattern.
“Globally, Merck has 4% market share and we expect to achieve the same target in India in the next 8 years. The growth will be largely driven organically through launches of our best in the class products, “ Merck MSD (India) MD Naveen Rao told ET.
To begin with, the company will double its work force to 800 from 400 now by year-end. About 700 of these will belong to the sales force, most of whom would be bachelors and masters in pharmacy. In the last six months, the company has already increased its staff strength to 400 from 100.
Merck MSD joins global majors such as Biogen Idec and Daiichi Sankyo which have recently started operations in India with ambitious plans. At present, Merck MSD has a small presence in the country and does not even figure in the top 100 companies.
Read more:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/US-based_Merck_to_double_workforce_by_year-end/articleshow/2969168.cms
Snip~ “We are committed to India and will have a responsible pricing to ensure access of drugs to patients."
Too bad Merck wasn't as committed to the US and have "a responsible pricing to ensure access of drugs to patients."
Bastards.