2005, a pivotal year for Axis-Shield, with strong growth and profitability

Croasdale...Thanks for the update. As you know the market in India is large and according to one report the healthcare services in India are at the threshold of opportunity and are likely to witness high growth over the next few years.


In India, Ranbaxy is the largest pharmaceutical Company by sales. recently in the domestic market, Ranbaxy’s strong performance enabled the Company to regain the second position for the month of August 2005.


Diagnostics Division

The Diagnostics division has aggressively focused on market expansion activities based on a strategy of reliability, quality products and efficient service. During 1999, the Division has moved closer towards attaining leadership status, through its thrust on scientific training and product promotion. Introduction of products in ‘Point of Care’ markets has expanded market presence, and over the next 1-2 years this segment will see considerable expansion in line with world trends.

Immuno Diagnostics and Clinical Chemistry

Ranges were diversified to provide width and depth in the existing market, and Ranbaxy Diagnostics is poised to offer solutions for a majority of needs in Clinical Laboratories, Hospitals, Blood Banks and Research Institutions.
The Dade Behring segment has increased its installation base by 60% in leading hospitals and laboratories. Customers appreciated the high level of technical and logistic support, the state-of-the-art Flex reagents with its ease of operation and accurate results. The year saw the Division register double the market growth with excellent prospects. Plans are afoot for the introduction of more parameters for the ‘Point of Care’ market and the launch of Special Chemistries, a range of Drug Assays, plus an entry into Automated Microbiology in both the Base and Dade Behring business areas. -




However, I note that in order to focus on their core pharmaceutical business, Ranbaxy entered into an agreement to divest its Allied Business portfolio. As per this arrangement, ICICI Venture Funds Private Limited (ICICI Venture) will acquire Ranbaxy’s Fine Chemicals, Animal Health and the Diagnostics business (excluding the Dade Behring diagnostic assets, which will be acquired by Dade Behring Holdings Inc). The necessary shareholders’ approvals are being obtained through postal ballot and the divestment process is expected to be completed before the end of the current year.

ICICI Venture is the largest and one of the most successful private equity and venture capital management companies in India with aggregate funds under management in excess of USD 650 mn. -



Regarding MC medical, all I get is Japanese content -

Although I am sure being a division of Mitsubishi is not to be sniffed at.

Nycomed has also been appointed distributor in Switzerland and Germany will be an intersting one to watch for.



A-S to exhibit at the World's Largest Medical Trade Event

Huge annual 4 day medical products exhibition - AXIS-SHIELD will be on Stand C04 in Hall 1. Open to trade and public







I thought the following was notable -

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Oct. 7, 2005 – Abbott and Intermountain Health Care (IHC) announced today that they have signed a multi-year contract in which IHC, the largest integrated health care system in Utah, has agreed to an exclusive nine-year contract for Abbott's immunoassay diagnostic instruments and tests. This agreement brings several ARCHITECT ® i 2000 SR ® immunoassay systems into IHC's network during the course of the contract period. In addition, Abbott will continue to supply tests for IHC's current AxSYM ® , IMx ® and TDx ® immunoassay systems.

Created in 1975, IHC is a charitable, community-owned, nonprofit health care organization based in Salt Lake City that serves the health needs of Utah and Idaho residents. Ranked as America's number one integrated health care system by Modern Healthcare magazine, IHC has repeatedly been recognized for its excellence in quality health care, providing health services from more than 150 IHC facilities and physician offices in their network.


Market contracts/connections such as the above is only one of many and will provide an excellent sales platform for Afinion, not to mention existing and future tests for Axsym and IMX.

Regards, wan