DRL acquired 6 OTC brands from Ducere Pharma in US

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd has acquired a portfolio of half a dozen over-the-counter (OTC) drug brands from American drugmaker Ducere Pharma to enter the branded consumer health business in the US.

The OTC labels coming to Dr.Reddy’s stable include pain relievers such as Doan’s caplets, Bufferin tablets, Nupercainal ointment and Myoflex cream. The other brands that it bought are Cruex, which is used to treat toenail fungus, and Comtrex, which is used to cure common cold and cough.

US OTC market is around 44 Billion.

DRL has OTC segment sales of around 200 million. And further these acquisition will boost the OTC pipeline for the company.

Last year it had acquired a portfolio of established brands of Belgium-based pharmaceutical firm UCB in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives for Rs 800 crore (approximately $128 million then). The deal has strengthened its presence in dermatology, paediatrics and respiratory verticals with brands like Atarax, Nootropil, Zyrtec, Xyzal and Xyzal M.