GSK to invest Rs 1,000 cr in Karnataka

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals is investing Rs 1,000 crore in a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical unit in Karnataka and is looking at enhancing its global pipeline in areas like respiratory drugs and vaccines in India.

"We are investing Rs 1,000 crore in a new state-of-the- art pharmaceutical factory in Vemgal, Karnataka. The factory will initially supply a range of solid dose form products. The factory will commence production in 2018 and produce more than eight billion tablets and one billion capsules a year," the company said in its annual report.

"We will focus on securing reliable supply of our high- quality medicines to patients through our manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra and our upcoming facility in Vemgal, Karnataka. We will continue to bring the best of our innovative global pipeline in areas like respiratory and vaccines to our patients in India," A Vaidheesh, MD, GSK India said.

The company is assessing new products from its global respiratory and vaccines pipeline and reviewing these for a possible launch in India. In addition, it is also reviewing complementary inorganic opportunities, the company said, adding that nearly 30 per cent of global pharma volumes sold by GSK is sold in the country.

The drug major is also upgrading its existing Nashik facility. In compliance with the GSK respiratory free strategy and the WHO requirement for the segregated manufacturing of hormonal products, GSK India has invested Rs 115 crore to construct a dedicated facility for the manufacturing of Eltroxin. The new eltroxin facility will be fully operational in 2018.