Patel focused on building a diversified pharmaceutical platform
Ahmedabad’s Curis Lifesciences Limited is entering a new phase of growth as it expands across domestic branded pharmaceuticals, international markets and contract manufacturing, with its 51% acquisition of Gujarati-owned Uninova Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, adding a new dimension to the company’s evolving business strategy.
The company’s growth roadmap is built around three complementary opportunities — strengthening its merchant export business in Kenya, establishing a long-term pharmaceutical presence in Nigeria, and scaling its domestic branded pharmaceutical business through Uninova. Together, these initiatives are aimed at expanding the company’s product portfolio, geographic presence and revenue base while creating a more diversified business model.
Uninova Strengthens the Domestic Branded Pharma Play
The acquisition of a 51% stake in Ahmedabad’s Uninova Lifesciences gives Curis access to an established pharmaceutical marketing platform, distribution relationships and an expanding portfolio of branded products. Uninova currently has approximately 50 products under its own brand portfolio and plans to launch around 12 additional products in the near term, with an objective of exceeding 100 products by the end of the year.
As part of this portfolio expansion, Uninova has entered the injectable segment with the launch of six products across four key molecules — Gentamicin, Dexamethasone, Ondansetron and Paracetamol. The portfolio includes Novagent, Novagent Plus, Novadex, Novadex Forte, Ondanova and Novapar Forte.
The injectable expansion is being pursued through a third-party manufacturing model, allowing Uninova to broaden its product portfolio while leveraging its existing marketing and distribution ecosystem without requiring immediate investment in additional manufacturing infrastructure.
Uninova’s growth ambitions are also reflected in its financial targets. The business generated approximately INR 5.43 crore in turnover in the previous year and is targeting approximately INR 7 crore in the current year. Own-brand product sales are expected to rise from approximately Rs.0.75 crore to Rs.3 crore, reflecting a greater focus on branded pharmaceutical products.
Commenting on the company’s growth strategy, Dharmesh Patel, Chairman & Managing Director of Curis Lifesciences Limited, said on 24 Aug, “We are focused on building a diversified pharmaceutical platform with multiple growth engines across domestic branded pharmaceuticals, contract manufacturing and international markets. The expansion through Uninova strengthens our branded product presence and gives us an established platform to expand our portfolio, including new segments such as injectables. At the same time, our initiatives in Kenya and Nigeria are aimed at creating near-term export opportunities while building a foundation for long-term international growth.”
He further added, “Our approach is to leverage our existing capabilities, partnerships and marketing ecosystem to pursue growth in a capital-efficient manner. Going forward, our focus will remain on expanding the product portfolio, progressing regulatory registrations, developing international markets and increasing the contribution of our own-brand business.”
Kenya: Strengthening an Established Export Channel
Curis Lifesciences has successfully completed the renewal of its product registrations in Kenya and has received approximately Rs.3 crore in purchase orders through three orders. The business is primarily based on contract manufacturing for merchant export, providing an established international sales channel.
The current purchase orders are expected to increase Kenya-related merchant export sales by approximately 30–40% compared with the previous year, with further opportunities expected through additional product registrations, customers and export partners.
Nigeria: Building a Long-Term International Business
Nigeria represents a significant strategic opportunity for Curis Lifesciences. The company has established a joint venture with Euroson Pharmaceuticals under the name CUROSON PHARMACEUTICAL NIGERIA INC., with the objective of developing a branded pharmaceutical business in the country.
The company is progressing through the regulatory process for its own-brand pharmaceutical operations, while simultaneously pursuing contract manufacturing and merchant-export opportunities. Product dossiers for seven products submitted through Euroson Pharmaceuticals have already been accepted, with the company estimating an annual sales potential of approximately Rs.3–4 crore from this opportunity once relevant licences are received and purchase orders commence.
Three Engines Driving Future Growth
Curis Lifesciences’ growth strategy is built around three complementary engines: international export growth through Kenya, international market development through Nigeria, and domestic branded pharmaceutical growth through Uninova.
While Kenya provides an established export base, Nigeria offers a pathway from merchant exports and contract manufacturing towards own-brand registration and direct pharmaceutical marketing. Uninova, meanwhile, is expected to drive domestic portfolio expansion and increase the contribution from own-brand products.
This diversified approach enables the company to pursue multiple revenue opportunities, combining near-term contract manufacturing and export opportunities with the longer-term potential of branded and recurring business.
Building a Diversified Pharmaceutical Platform
Curis Lifesciences aims to build an integrated pharmaceutical business spanning manufacturing, contract manufacturing, international exports, own brands, and marketing and distribution.
With Kenya providing an established export base, Nigeria creating a pathway towards a long-term international branded business, and Uninova strengthening the domestic branded portfolio, the company is positioning itself for its next phase of growth.
The overall objective is to develop multiple revenue streams while progressively increasing the contribution of branded, recurring business.
Curis Lifesciences Limited is building a diversified pharmaceutical business across manufacturing, contract manufacturing, international exports and branded pharmaceutical products, with Uninova strengthening its domestic branded portfolio. fiinews.com
