Indian generics manufacturers show and interest in MeTA

Posted on 15 December 2009

The aim of MeTA and what it is trying to achieve received a ‘cautiously warm’ response, according to one delegate, when it was introduced to representatives of major Indian generic pharmaceutical manufacturers during the Indian Pharma Summit Conference in Mumbai from 30 November to 3 December, 2009.

India is home to some of the world’s largest generics manufacturers, and producers of high quality generics were supportive of MeTA’s private sector aim, to create a level playing field in which ethical producers would be able to compete fairly. Among the issues on which it was felt that MeTA could make a difference, were the reduction of the loss of legitimate trade through the identification and elimination of counterfeits, and the increases in efficiency of the supply chain, which MeTA aspires to accomplish in its pilot countries.

MeTA’s approach of multi-stakeholder working attracted interest, although many were unfamiliar with it. This together with a clearer understanding of how MeTA works, what the International Secretariat offers, and the degree to which participating countries have autonomy, were all raised as points requiring further clarification.

Many of those attending the conference are active in one or more of the countries participating in the pilot phase of MeTA, so have an extensive knowledge and understanding of their markets and the differences between them and the ways in which business is conducted in the different countries.   

Various cautionary notes were sounded. There was some concern about MeTA’s emphasis on prices. Stiff competition means that margins are already tight and there was a reluctance to publish data that might reduce them further. Instead, major issues are deemed to be corruption and unethical competitive practices.

The conference participants included representatives from five firms listed in the top 26 generics manufacturers on 31 October, 2009, including Cipla, which was ranked number one. Follow up discussions with individual firms are being planned for the first half of 2010.