Antibiotice Iasi producer, one of the leading players on the Romanian drug market, is planning an internal reorganisation of the company next year, as well as an over 25% rise in exports compared with 2008.
"Exports account for around 12% at present. In 2009 we expect them to increase by at least 25% against 2009, but the growth prospects can be even more significant once the FDA (Food and Drug Administration - regulating authority in the US i.e.) gives its final sanction for the export of finished products to the US market. We expect the first contract for the export of injectable sterile ampicillin (with the US i.e.) to become effective next year. A first order worth 2 million euros has already been placed. Prices are much better than those on the Romanian market, and profit margins are significant," Ioan Nani, general manager of Antibiotice Iasi, told ZF in an interview.
The company could start its first exports to the US this year if it secures all the necessary permits.
"We discussed the possibility of two other products to reach the US market in 8-12 months' time - anti-infectious drugs," Nani added. He specifies the US market is a prospective market for niche products in the company's portfolio, and that in the next three or four years it will be the company's main foreign destination. Antibiotice is also one of the world's biggest producers of nystatin (a raw material used in the pharmaceutical industry), which the company exports to several markets.
One of the producer's plans for next year is internal reorganisation, which entails the creation of a new organisation chart. This will mean splitting and joining together certain departments, creating and eliminating others.
"The organisation needs to be in correlation with the market progression. We are moving towards cardiovascular and central nervous system therapy areas, so one
