US private equity firm KKR is to acquire a majority stake in JB Chemicals, accelerating the Indian group's growth plans in branded formulations. Post a 54% stake acquisition for $414m via part-purchase from the founders and an open offer at INR745 per share, KKR's final stake could rise to 64.9% if founders offer more shares.

Companies including Dr Reddy’s will consider investing in new API units if the Indian government tweaks its incentive scheme to permit exports of surplus production. Other suggested changes to the $1.3bn stimulus, aimed at enhancing the country's medicines security, include extending incentives to brownfield expansions and removing restrictions on a change in product mix.

US private equity firm KKR to acquire a majority stake in JB Chemicals, accelerating the Indian group's growth plans in branded formulations. Post a 54% stake acquisition for $414m via part-purchase from the founders and an open offer at INR745/share, KKR's final stake could rise to 64.9% if founders offer more shares. 

A recent military skirmish with China and a 35-40% average increase in prices of drug raw materials has seen India step up scrutiny of imports from the country. While the industry is seeking a hike in domestic formulations prices, product shortages are not expected in the short term.

Zydus Cadila hopes to launch its version of Gilead’s remdesivir by end-July in India, even as earlier licensees Hetero Drugs and Cipla have just commercialized the antiviral. Plans for pegylated interferon alfa-2b to treat COVID-19 include a trial in Mexico and an IND in the US. Separately, desidustat is being considered for additional indications.

Zydus Cadila hopes to launch its version of Gilead’s remdesivir by end-July in India, even as earlier licensees Hetero Drugs and Cipla have just commercialized the antiviral. Plans for pegylated interferon alfa-2b to treat COVID-19 include a trial in Mexico and an IND in the US. Separately, desidustat is being considered for additional indications.