Bayer is setting up a joint venture with Zydus Cadila to sell its products in India.

The German group says the 50:50 sales and marketing JV, to be called Bayer Zydus Pharma, "aims to enhance its presence in the fast growing pharmaceutical market in India". The partners say they have complementary product portfolios and specialised sales forces in women’s healthcare, diagnostic imaging, and general medicines as well as oncology. 

Bayer added that the new company, headquartered in Mumbai, will combine Zydus Cadila’s strong Indian marketing and sales expertise "as well as excellent distribution and industry network"with its own expertise in "successfully commercialising novel products and sophisticated administration and sales processes according to international standards". Some 600 employees, coming from both Bayer as well as from Zydus Cadila, will join the JV.

Bayer Zydus Pharma's portfolio will not only include in-licensed and originator brands, but also the Leverkusen-headquartered firm's patented pharmaceuticals, such as the diabetes drug Glucobay (acarbose), the anticoagulant Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and the Yaz/Yasmin/Yasminelle (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) contraceptive franchise, as well as products currently marketed by Zydus Cadila such as Euglim (glimepiride) for diabetes and  the hormone replacement therapy Progynova (estradiol).

Jorg Reinhardt, head of Bayer HealthCare said that "with this step, we aim to significantly accelerate our capabilities to better serve the fast-growing Indian market", adding that the JV will "provide a win-win situation for both partners".__