Tirupati stands out as a leading and rapidly expanding enterprise, renowned for delivering comprehensive solutions from research to product launch. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities make it a strategic partner in the Healthcare and Food Industries. Founded in 2005, Tirupati has become a formidable market presence, showcasing a diversified portfolio that includes pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, ayurveda, probiotics, and specialized sports nutrition products. Notably, their innovative calcium glycinate formulation eliminates the need for additional vitamin D3 supplementation.
Tirupati’s extensive product range spans powders, tablets, capsules, liquids, oils, and sachets designed for both oral and topical use. As a leading contract manufacturer, Tirupati caters to over 350 multinational and domestic corporations, including industry giants like Abbott, Pfizer, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Sun Pharma. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned it prestigious accolades, such as the “Best Strategic Partner Of The Year” award from Abbott for three consecutive years, and recognition as the “Best Nutraceutical Contract Manufacturing Company” and “Best Sports Health Supplement Company” by ASSOCHAM in 2021.
Tirupati’s DSIR-approved R&D facility comprises state-of-the-art infrastructure and a team of skilled scientists. This facility offers comprehensive testing capabilities, ensuring that product development meets both timelines and regulatory standards. The company adheres rigorously to international manufacturing practices, complying with cGMP, QMS, and EHS protocols. Tirupati’s operations are certified by leading bodies including NSF, ISO, FSSAI, HALAL, and KOSHER, reinforcing its commitment to quality and safety.
In an exclusive interview with The Interview World, Dr. Bijoy Deb, Senior Medical Consultant at Tirupati Group, provides valuable insights into the company’s core offerings. He highlights the distinguishing features that set Tirupati apart, discusses the benefits of calcium glycinate, outlines their esteemed clientele, and shares detailed information about veterinary products and supplements. Here are the key insights from Dr. Deb’s comprehensive discussion.
Q: Can you elaborate on Tirupati’s key offerings and strengths in the pharmaceutical sector?
A: Tirupati Medicare specializes in manufacturing high-quality pharmaceutical products. Meanwhile, our group companies, Tirupati Lifesciences and Tirupati Wellness, concentrate on developing advanced nutraceutical and Ayurvedic products. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we provide complete end-to-end solutions, seamlessly guiding projects from initial concept and development through to manufacturing and final delivery to our clients.
Q: What distinguishes your company from other manufacturers in terms of innovative product development?
A: What sets Tirupati apart from other manufacturing facilities is our unwavering commitment to innovation. We deliver cutting-edge products across nutraceuticals, Ayurveda, and pharmaceuticals. A prime example of our innovative approach is our introduction of calcium glycinate — a groundbreaking calcium supplement that doesn’t require vitamin D3 for optimal absorption. This advancement is particularly significant in India, where vitamin D3 deficiency is widespread, affecting approximately 60% of the population.
For context, in a group of 10 individuals, six typically show low levels of vitamin D3. This deficiency severely impedes the body’s ability to absorb calcium, even when vitamin D3 is included as a supplement. Most standard calcium products contain only 500-600 international units of vitamin D3, which is insufficient for complete calcium absorption. In contrast, calcium glycinate removes the need for additional vitamin D3, offering a more effective solution.
Q: What are the core advantages of calcium glycinate?
A: The primary advantage of our calcium glycinate lies in its compatibility with iron supplementation. Medical practitioners often prescribe iron alongside calcium, but these supplements must be taken at least 6-8 hours apart to prevent interactions that impair absorption. With calcium glycinate, patients can safely take iron and calcium together without any risk of absorption issues.
A common misconception among consumers is that higher elemental calcium content equates to greater efficacy. For instance, a 1250 mg tablet of calcium carbonate contains 40% elemental calcium, which translates to 500 mg. However, only about 24% of this elemental calcium is absorbed, resulting in roughly 120 mg entering the bloodstream — a minimal amount. In comparison, one 835 mg tablet of calcium glycinate, with 30% elemental calcium, delivers 250 mg of elemental calcium, of which 82% is absorbed. This means that 205 mg is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it would take two tablets of calcium carbonate to match the efficacy of a single tablet of calcium glycinate.
Calcium citrate malate (CCM), another commonly prescribed supplement, only delivers about 110 mg of elemental calcium to the bloodstream per tablet. This means that two tablets of calcium citrate malate can achieve the absorption rate of one tablet of calcium glycinate.
A pivotal clinical trial compared the effectiveness of calcium glycinate with that of Shelcal (calcium carbonate) and calcium citrate malate. Approved by the UC committee and registered with the Clinical Trials Registry – India (CTRI), this study was published in the Journal of Orthopedic Clinical Research (JOC) in 2018. The findings confirmed that calcium glycinate offers superior absorption and efficacy compared to standard calcium supplements.
Q: Have you begun marketing this product nationwide?
A: No, we are not in the business of marketing. Instead, we supply our products to third parties. This includes major multinational and national companies that source from us, either through peer-to-peer agreements or licensing arrangements. For instance, we provide products to industry leaders such as Cipla, Abbott, Glaxo, and Mankind. Additionally, we manufacture for other prominent names like Aristro and Alcon. In essence, both multinational and national companies rely on our facility for their manufacturing needs.
Q: What types of products do you offer for veterinary use?
A: We launched our veterinary line just six months ago, introducing a range of products that includes tablets, liquids, and creams. In the nutraceutical sector, we are the market leader, and we hold the top position in Ayurveda as well. In the pharmaceutical industry, we rank as the number two player.
Q: What types of supplements or drugs do you manufacture for veterinary use?
A: We offer a wide range of solutions. For gastrointestinal issues, we provide targeted supplements to support digestive health. To enhance milk production, we have specialized calcium supplements. Additionally, we offer formulations designed to boost appetite. We also prioritize hydration and provide products to ensure optimal fluid balance.
