PRESS RELEASE

Pithampur plant gets INVIMA-Columbia approval

Mumbai 25 May 2004: We are pleased to inform, that INVIMA - Regulatory authority from the Ministry of Health, Colombia which had been auditing our Pithampur facility from 17th May, 2004 to 21st May, 2004 has Approved our Pithampur facility for tablets, capsules, ophthalmic and anesthetics.

Colombia is one of the larger markets (US$1.4 billion) in Latam and presents a good opportunity for NPIL to commercialize its existing line of products. 

As part of the technical requirements of the Ministry of Health, Colombia, all foreign companies aspiring to enter Colombia have to get their manufacturing facilities audited and approved by INVIMA to be eligible to offer their products in the Colombian market.

This approval provides NPIL with a good opportunity to offer its production facilities to leading pharmaceutical companies (both Indian and MNCs) planning to enter Colombia.

INVIMA enjoys a good reputation worldwide and any approval coming from this body will go a long way in enhancing the credibility of Nicholas Piramal in the international pharmaceutical market.

For further information, contact

Vijaykumar Sharma
Vice President - Exports
Nicholas Piramal India Ltd.

Direct Office Tel: 91 22 5663 6677
Cell: 91 9821216656
Fax: 91 22 24172869