OptiBiotix launches subsidiary company in India
Leading life sciences company OptiBiotix Health Plc (‘OptiBiotix’), which specialises in developing functional ingredients that modulate the microbiome to improve health and wellbeing, has announced the launch of its new Indian subsidiary, OptiBiotix Health India Ltd (OHI).
OHI has been formed to service the fast-growing nutraceuticals market in India, which is expected to rise from $4 billion in 2017 to $18 billion in 2025 as the demand for dietary supplements amongst the growing1 upper and middle classes increases2.
Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix Health plc and Director of OHI, commented: “We are pleased to announce the setting up of a subsidiary in India, a country we have identified as of strategic importance for its high growth potential and access to Asian markets.
“This is all part of strategic positioning to grow sales and product ranges with new and existing partners in key markets. Establishing a physical presence allows us to maximise the potential opportunity in this market and deliver high quality, science-backed ingredients and final products across the supply chain, from formulators, manufacturers to consumers in the region.”
In India, cardiovascular disease accounts for up to 27% of all deaths (WHO), and obesity prevalence stands at 40.3%3. According to a nationwide cross-sectional study, obesity was higher among women (41.8%) than men (38.67%) and more education in the region implied a higher level of obesity (44.46% college-educated vs 38% uneducated)3.
To combat the rising obesity levels in the region, the new Indian subsidiary will manage the purchase and sale of OptiBiotix ingredients and products, which are designed to tackle metabolic health, obesity and diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through microbiome modulation.
This includes branded ingredients such as the scientifically supported probiotic LPLDL®, which supports heart health, and the dietary fibre and trace mineral blend SlimBiome® for sustainable weight management alongside LeanBiome® and WellBiome®. In addition, OHI will also sell the company’s final product ranges, including CholBiome® and GoFigure®, increasing operational efficiency and partner engagement.
Dr. Taru Jain, Director, Business Development – Asia of OptiBiotix Health India, commented: “Between genetic makeup, high calorie diet and sedentary lifestyles, India has seen a major increase in obesity levels over the last five years. At OptiBiotix, we want to ensure all regions have greater access to scientifically supported products to tackle the obesity epidemic. With a physical presence via OptiBiotix Health India, it will be much easier for our partners to increase their speed to market and support consumers who want to lead a healthier lifestyle with award-winning ingredients like SlimBiome® and LPLDL®.”
Following the subsidiary’s launch, OptiBiotix has secured its first contract of the new year for its GoFigure® weight management product range in the region. The exclusive deal with Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited (‘Apollo’), one of India’s leading hospital and pharmacy chains, will see GoFigure® launch in over 250 Apollo Pharmacy stores this spring.
[1] https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-middle-class-in-india-from-1947-to-the-present-and-beyond/
[2] https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/growing-nutraceuticals-market-india
[3] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0972753120987465