A 17-Year-Old Kid's Pharma Startup Grabs Funding from Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata, who has pumped in hundreds of crores of rupees into start-ups since his retirement from the Tata Group, has invested an undisclosed amount in a 17-year-old kid's pharma start-up Generic Aadhaar, in his personal capacity.

Generic Aadhaar was founded by the Thane kid, Arjun Deshpande, in April 2019, when he was 16. It supplies quality generic drugs from reputed manufacturers at up to 80 per cent lesser cost and other medicines 20-30 per cent cheaper.



The boy, an alumni of DAV Public School, Thane, began his entrepreneurial journey with the aim of bringing affordable medicines to the poor, a statement issued by his PR agency said on Thursday.

It did not disclose how much Tata has invested.

The chairman emeritus of Tata Sons has so far invested in over a dozen start-ups since he retired from the group in December 2012 and all his investments are routed through his investment company RNT Associates. Some of his investments include Ola, Paytm, Snapdeal, CureFit, Urban Ladder and Avanti Finance.

Generic Aadhaar sources generic drugs directly from manufacturers and sells it to retailers, eliminating 16-20 per cent wholesaler margins.

The start-up boasts of an annual revenue of Rs 6 crore and is looking at a revenue of Rs 150-200 crore in the next three years, the statement said. It also claimed to have employed about 55 persons, including pharmacists, IT engineers and marketing professionals.

Deshpande plans to partner with 1,000 pharmacies on a franchisee-based model and expand his reach to Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Delhi, Goa and Rajasthan.

Generic Aadhaar will provide all the support to the unorganised sector by bringing the right technology, IT infrastructure and branding to the forefront.

"Our business model gives us an edge over others as we aim to bring affordable healthcare to millions. Our mission is to provide senior citizens and pensioner the care they deserve by delivering inexpensive medicines," says Deshpande.

Currently, it supplies diabetes and hypertension drugs but will soon start offering cancer drugs also at rates lower than the market price and has also tied up with four WHO-GMP certified manufacturers at Palghar, Ahmedabad, Puducherry and Nagpur.

It provides quality and affordable medicines directly from WHO-GMP facility and has tied up with 30 retailers from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Odisha following a profit-sharing model.

"Tata got impressed with our business plan and decided to be a part of this mission in a personal capacity and help Generic Aadhaar to reach more and more poor people," Arjun Deshpande, founder and chief executive officer of the start-up, said.

Generic Aadhaar steps in to solve this problem as it aims to partner with 1,000 pharmacies on a franchisee-based model in the coming months and expand their reach to markets such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, New Delhi.

Generic Aadhaar supplies diabetes and hypertension drugs but will soon start offering cancer drugs at rates much lower than the market price. PTI BEN HRS

Brinton Pharmaceuticals Receives $8 Mn from India Alternative Investment Advisors

India Alternatives Investment Advisors Ltd. invested up to USD 8 million for a significant minority stake in Brinton Pharmaceuticals Limited. Among the fastest growing companies in the Indian pharmaceutical market, Brinton is focused on dermatology and has recently expanded into the paediatric dermatology & respiratory segments.

Established in 2013, Brinton Pharmaceuticals is a speciality-focused pharmaceuticals company offering a range of branded dermatology and paediatric formulations. Through a specialized and dedicated field force of over 500 personnel, the company’s products are marketed in India and in 12 countries across emerging markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rahulkumar Darda, Chairman & Managing Director, Brinton Pharmaceuticals said, “We are excited to partner with an investor of the calibre of India Alternatives and strongly believe this
association will bring synergies and help us continue our profitable growth journey. This investment will enhance our capabilities in formulations and Research & Development for niche areas of dermatology and cosmetology and support expansion of the company’s footprint within India as well as globally."

Mr. Vijey Christopher J, Director, Brinton Pharmaceuticals added “In a short span of time Brinton has made its presence felt both in dermatology and paediatrics through our innovative high quality products stemming from
world-class R&D units across the globe. We are aiming for a leadership position in our represented product markets and have a strategic road-map to cross several milestones in the coming years."

Commenting on the investment, Ms. Shivani Bhasin Sachdeva, Founder & CEO, India Alternatives said, “India Alternatives’ investment in Brinton reflects its recognition of the Company’s solid management team, differentiated brands and focus on niche therapeutic segments. The investment in Brinton fits very well with two of our themes of women oriented consumption and health & wellness. We are excited to partner with Rahul and his team to support them through the next leg of their journey."

This transaction marks the second investment in Brinton by an institutional investor, following Tata Capital Healthcare Fund’s investment in 2017.

India Alternatives is a top performing mid-market private equity firm that backs unlisted companies that are the beneficiaries of transformational themes such as: women becoming more empowered as consumers; millennials driving a paradigm shift in consumption; technology reinventing financial services; and an increased focus on health and wellness. India Alternatives has made marquee investments including: NSDL – India’s largest depository; TransUnion CIBIL – a dominant credit information bureau; Gokaldas Intimatewear (Enamor) – a market leader in the women’s premium lingerie space and Seclore Technology – a rapidly growing cyber security company

Equirus Capital Private Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor to Brinton Pharmaceuticals, PDS Legal and Transaction Square acted as legal and tax advisors respectively to Brinton Pharmaceuticals. DSK Legal acted as legal advisors to India Alternatives.

Pharma Firm Vyome Raises $22 Mn in Funding Led by Iron Pillar

Vyome Therapeutics Inc, a Delhi-based clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company developing novel medicines for treating skin diseases caused by resistant microbes, today announced the closing of a $22 million in Series D financing round led by Iron Pilar.

The company will primarily use the funds to advance its lead molecule, VB 1953, through phase 2 studies for treatment of moderate to severe acne and for operations. Part of the funds raised are used for facilitating a secondary transaction.

“The closing of Vyome’s Series D comes at a transformational time for the company, as we prepare to initiate a phase 2b clinical trial with our lead candidate, VB 1953, and as we establish the center of operations and headquarters in the United States through a corporate restructuring exercise,” said Venkateswarlu Nelabhotla (Venkat), Chief Executive Officer of Vyome Therapeutics. “We see this investment as validation of Vyome’s innovative approach to efficient specialty pharmaceutical development and the ability of the company’s scientific platform to help solve the problem of microbial resistance in dermatology."

The financing was led by Iron Pillar, a venture growth investment fund with locations in Palo Alto and Mumbai. Existing investors, including Perceptive Advisors, Romulus Capital and Kalaari Capital also participated in this round. Concomitant with the investment, Mohanjit Jolly, representing Iron Pillar, and Krishna K. Gupta representing Romulus Capital, will both join Vyome’s board of directors. Following completion of Vyome’s corporate restructuring, Chris Garabedian has been elevated from director of the Board to executive chairman.

Mohanjit Jolly, Partner at Iron Pillar, added “We are thrilled to partner with Vyome and cement our long-standing relationship with the co-founders. This investment fits well with Iron Pillar’s approach of backing visionary entrepreneurs, together with patented platform technologies and products that have the potential to leapfrog the current market. Our advisors, who are dermatology experts in the U.S., are very encouraged by the early clinical efficacy and safety data from studies of VB 1953, and the depth and quality of science around the novel mechanism. We look forward to leveraging our cross-border network and U.S. capital markets experience to support Vyome as it seeks to establish itself as a leading specialty pharmaceuticals company.”

Vyome Therapeutics is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company, developing a deep pipeline of novel drugs for treatment of drug-resistant skin pathogens, including antibiotics-resistant P. acnes. The company’s lead drug candidate, VB 1953, will enter phase 2b a clinical trial in the first quarter of 2019. VB 1953 is a topical treatment for antibiotic-resistant acne, which is currently an emerging and unmet need with a potential $2B market opportunity in the US alone. Vyome has a deep pipeline of preclinical new chemical entities, based on its patented Dual Action Rational Therapeutics (DARTs) technology, which are unique in their ability to overcome antimicrobial resistance.

Vyome has developed clinically validated antifungal products based on its innovative and patented technology platform Molecular Replacement Therapeutics (MRT™), a platform for which Vyome has recently signed an out-licensing deal of marketing rights with a large specialty pharmaceutical company. Vyome has assembled a world-class team of scientific and business development experts who have a track record of conducting scientific research, developing breakthrough products and building sustainable businesses.

Iron Pillar is a venture growth investor specializing in mid stage technology companies in India and the U.S.-India corridor. Iron Pillar provides growth capital to proven businesses, focusing on Series B, C and D capital raises, as lead investors. The 6-member Iron Pillar founding team brings 120 years of combined experience with directly relevant skill sets in venture investing, M&A/IPOs/Exits, operations and technology, and complemented by a renowned panel of global advisors. We leverage our collective experience and networks in the U.S., India, China and Europe to actively partner with entrepreneurs who are poised to scale their technology businesses.

Vyome’s lead molecule, VB 1953, is a first-in-class topical bactericidal antibiotic candidate with a novel mechanism of action that includes inflammation reducing capabilities as well as the demonstrated ability to treat antibiotic resistant P. acnes strains and currently, a US phase 2b clinical trial is being initiated. In preclinical studies, VB 1953 is active against clindamycin-resistant P. acnes bacteria, has a low emergence of resistance and reduces inflammation. VB 1953 is delivered with a microtechnology gel system that ensures the drug is retained at the site of infection and minimizes systemic exposure. Antibacterial-resistant P. acnes is currently an emerging and unmet need with a potential $2B market opportunity in the US alone.

Pharma Startup Elbrit Life Sciences Raises $3 Mn from Its Parent & Qatar-based Investment Firm

Mumbai-based Elbrit Life Sciences has announced today that it is expanding its footprint in the domestic pharmaceutical industry. The fast growing domestic pharmaceutical company is presently in advanced talks with its parent investment firm Capital Investments and an undisclosed Qatar based investment firm to raise 3 million USD.

This major investment is aimed at expanding the company’s domestic footprint in branded formulation business. Elbrit Life Sciences started its operations in 2014 and has since witnessed an impressive growth rate of more than 100% per annum.

“We are planning to use the additional funds to expand geographical footprint and to focus on nephrology, urology, gynecology and oncology therapy segments. “ said the spokesperson of Elbrit Life Sciences, while talking about the expansion plans. He added that the company majorly operates in South India and has sales force strength of 200 front line sales representatives. It has 45 brands and 150 SKUs. He further added that, “The company is currently not looking at any acquisitions and instead prefers to take the organic route to fuel further growth”.

In addition, Elbrit Life Sciences is aggressively focusing on cardio-vascular, diabetes, neurology and nutraceuticals market in the country. Operating in a country with a population exceeding 1.3 billion, Elbrit Life Sciences has a dedicated WHO-GMP manufacturing facility. Moreover, the pharma company is in the process of upgrading its facilities to foray into export markets.

The company is expecting that this deal may close before the 2ndweek of October and once the deal is closed, the company expects to pursue growth opportunities. Furthermore, Elbrit Life Sciences also aims to be amongst the Top 150 pharmaceutical companies by the year 2020. According to the company spokesperson, Elbrit Life Sciences plans to go for an IPO somewhere around the year 2022.

Recently, Pharmaceuticals and Automobiles were cited as the best sectors to work for in JobBuzz Workplace Index August 2018 edition - a monthly ranking to identify which sector offers the best work environment. This ranking is based on employee reviews among top 10 sectors on four parameters which includes - work-life balance, salary, career growth and work culture.

Pharma Startup Elbrit Life Sciences Raises $3 Mn from Its Parent & Qatar-based Investment Firm

Mumbai-based Elbrit Life Sciences has announced today that it is expanding its footprint in the domestic pharmaceutical industry. The fast growing domestic pharmaceutical company is presently in advanced talks with its parent investment firm Capital Investments and an undisclosed Qatar based investment firm to raise 3 million USD.

This major investment is aimed at expanding the company’s domestic footprint in branded formulation business. Elbrit Life Sciences started its operations in 2014 and has since witnessed an impressive growth rate of more than 100% per annum.

“We are planning to use the additional funds to expand geographical footprint and to focus on nephrology, urology, gynecology and oncology therapy segments. “ said the spokesperson of Elbrit Life Sciences, while talking about the expansion plans. He added that the company majorly operates in South India and has sales force strength of 200 front line sales representatives. It has 45 brands and 150 SKUs. He further added that, “The company is currently not looking at any acquisitions and instead prefers to take the organic route to fuel further growth”.

In addition, Elbrit Life Sciences is aggressively focusing on cardio-vascular, diabetes, neurology and nutraceuticals market in the country. Operating in a country with a population exceeding 1.3 billion, Elbrit Life Sciences has a dedicated WHO-GMP manufacturing facility. Moreover, the pharma company is in the process of upgrading its facilities to foray into export markets.

The company is expecting that this deal may close before the 2ndweek of October and once the deal is closed, the company expects to pursue growth opportunities. Furthermore, Elbrit Life Sciences also aims to be amongst the Top 150 pharmaceutical companies by the year 2020. According to the company spokesperson, Elbrit Life Sciences plans to go for an IPO somewhere around the year 2022.

Recently, Pharmaceuticals and Automobiles were cited as the best sectors to work for in JobBuzz Workplace Index August 2018 edition - a monthly ranking to identify which sector offers the best work environment. This ranking is based on employee reviews among top 10 sectors on four parameters which includes - work-life balance, salary, career growth and work culture.

Pharmaceutical Company Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Raises $4M from TATA Capital

Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, announced today that TATA Capital Healthcare fund has invested approximately $4 million in the Company, acquiring a minority stake. Brinton has been providing superior healthcare products and services for various therapeutic segments, to meet the unmet medical needs of millions of people.

The investment will support the firm’s entry into newer areas such Pediatric and Gynaecology segments and expand international operations from presently 8 to 32 countries.

Speaking about this investment, Rahul Darda, Managing Director of Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd, India said “Dermatology and Cosmeceuticals are among the fastest growing therapeutic segments in Indian Pharmaceutical Market growing at an annual CAGR of 15%. A long-term impact in the field of Research & Development will make newer innovations in the field of dermatology possible and Brinton is at the cusp of this transformation. Brinton has taken a therapy-focused approach towards growth and we believe this partnership with a focused Healthcare fund with Tata Capital is a step towards furthering the company’s growth objectives.”

“We are proud to announce TATA Capital’s investment in Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd., within two years of the beginning of commercial operations. This investment is a testimony to the company’s robust and strong foundations. We are optimistic about the future and have a roadmap in place to cross INR 300 Cr in the dermatology segment by FY 2021.” said Vijey Christopher, Sr. Vice President, Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

“With its strong brand proposition, Brinton Pharmaceuticals is well-poised to make a dent in the Dermatology space and we believe this investment from Tata Capital will further strengthen its wings to aggressively pursue its growth strategies.” said Vijay Datt, founder and CEO Citadel Management Consulting who was exclusive advisor of the transaction.

Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd, India was founded in 2013 with the aim of filling the need for affordable, yet high quality pharmaceuticals with world class packaging. Its innovative products are developed by anticipating patient requirements, and in an eco-friendly manner. Within a year, it became one of the fastest growing companies in India in the dermatology segment, despite an already crowded and competitive market. The firm has launched 14 new brands in India.

Since its launch, Brinton Pharmaceuticals’ has witnessed rapid expansion, thanks to its superior customer service and global operational excellence. It has a field workforce of 400 in India, and also spread operations in eight countries majorly Francophone and West Africa, along with Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

As per AWACS, Brinton Pharmaceuticals is the fastest growing pharmaceutical company amongst newly launched companies in last 24 months in all therapeutic segments. Currently, five of Brinton’s brands are ranked in top 5 brands in India.

Headquartered in Pune, India, Brinton Pharmaceuticals has a global presence with registered offices in USA, UK & Ghana.