Natrol Global to set up regional operations at DuBiotech

Natrol Global is a sister company of Natrol Inc, US, and a subsidiary of Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a herbal/nutraceutical focus company that engages in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical and allied healthcare products. Nutraceuticals are health food supplements that include products such as functional foods, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sports nutrition, energy and wellness drinks.

Marwan Abdul Aziz, Director of DuBiotech Park, said:

"The addition of Natrol Global to our community is a testament to DuBiotech's dedication to attracting global leaders to the region. It also validates Natrol's foresight in identifying the potential of the Mena region. The biotechnology industry is increasingly acquiring greater significance in the region and DuBiotech is committed to catering to the needs of the regional life sciences industry."

Chirag Patel, CEO, Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said, "The Middle East will serve as our 'sunrise' region, giving us an edge over our peers in quickly accessing not only the Middle East but also the CIS, South East Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. Given the fact that Nutraceutical is profoundly consumer-oriented, we can react faster to the changing economic scenarios as well as to the shifting consumer preferences."

M. Imran, Business Head-Mena, Natrol Global, said, "The regional nutritional supplements market is growing at a rapid pace with increasing awareness on health benefits and changing lifestyle. Stay fit, look and feel good factors are driving food supplements' consumption by more than 30% annually. According to our study, the regional market potential for nutraceuticals is worth more than $500m and our target is to achieve more than 15% market share."

"Our presence at Dubiotech in Dubai will give our dedicated team of professionals an opportunity to understand local needs and deliver services with a global perspective, translating our commitment to provide superior products and services to our consumers and business partners."

Plethico Pharmaceuticals Ltd will also set up a manufacturing facility to manufacture lozenges, tablets for cough, cold and throat infection and various other dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and syrups. The facility being built with an initial investment of $35m will cater to the GCC countries, Middle East, Africa, European Union, the US and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Globally, the sale of nutraceuticals products are poised to hit $187.4bn by 2010 from $155.9bn in 2007. Analysts say margins in nutraceuticals are more attractive than in drugs, as they are over-the-counter products.

Established in 1980, Natrol's portfolio of brands includes Natrol, MRI, Prolab, BioSil, Laci Le Beau, Promensil, Trinovin, Nu Hair and Shen Min. The company also manufactures products on behalf of third parties. Natrol distributes products through more than 54,000 retailers in the US, as well as internationally in over 40 other countries through partners and subsidiaries in Europe and Asia.

Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) is dedicated to creating an advanced technical and community infrastructure to accelerate the growth of life sciences industry. It is also working closely with the UAE Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and other relevant regulatory bodies to further develop the industry in the country and the region.