"We Know We Will Emerge Stronger In The U.S.," Says Ranbaxy CEO Atul Sobti: An Interview With PharmAsia News (Part 2 of 2)
Japan's third-largest drug maker, Daiichi Sankyo, acquired a 64- percent stake in India's most internationally known pharmaceutical brand - Ranbaxy - last June. The deal between an emerging innovator and an established generics drug maker surprised many, but was seen as a transformational one with a goal to expand reach and enhance cost efficiencies. Daiichi Sankyo was criticized later as concerns surfaced regarding Ranbaxy's manufacturing standards at two of its U.S.FDA-approved sites in India. After a complete management overhaul that saw Ranbaxy's promoter exiting the company, Daiichi Sankyo made Atul Sobti the CEO and managing director. In arguably the most in-depth interview after taking over the reins of Ranbaxy, Sobti, who has worked previously with companies like Hero Honda, opened up to PharmAsia News' India bureau on issues spanning U.S. FDA's actions to rebuilding Ranbaxy's reputation and opportunities in Europe, Africa, Japan and India.