With over six decades of unparalleled expertise in manufacturing, West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited (WBCIL) has established itself as a global leader in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and fine chemicals. Headquartered in Kolkata, India, WBCIL specializes in crafting specialty mineral salts that serve diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, food, animal feed, and gardening.
WBCIL’s extensive portfolio is designed to optimize performance across various applications. The company offers a wide range of mineral salts that include essential elements such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc. It also provides trace elements like Copper, Manganese, and Chromium, enriching its offerings. These minerals are available in multiple anionic forms, such as Ascorbate, Acetate, Propionate, Phosphate, Citrate, Aspartate, Gluconate, Bisglycinate, and Malate, among others.
Operating from a state-of-the-art facility in Kolkata, WBCIL adheres strictly to the highest industry standards. The facility holds certifications such as cGMP, ISO, and HACCP, and meets both Kosher and Halal requirements. The company’s Quality Control Department is GLP-compliant, with analytical test methods rigorously validated. This robust Quality Management System ensures that WBCIL’s products are consistently audit-ready, with Drug Master Files (DMF) prepared in CTD formats. Some of these DMFs have even been submitted to the USFDA, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence.
At the core of WBCIL’s success is its dedicated Research and Development team. This team pushes the boundaries of innovation, developing advanced molecules like Iron Isomaltoside, Ferric Citrate, Ferric Pyrophosphate Citrate, Liposomal Iron, and L-Methyl Folate (JP). WBCIL has also filed patents for several groundbreaking products, solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovation.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Joyobrata Ganguly, Coordinator and Communication Manager at WBCIL, discusses the company’s core pharmaceutical products and its unique formulations. He highlights how WBCIL is reducing reliance on imports and shares insights into the company’s forward-thinking, innovative products. Here are the key takeaways from this enlightening conversation.
Q: What are the flagship pharmaceutical products and key contributions of West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited to the healthcare sector?
A: We manufacture and market Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the essential raw materials for producing drugs, tablets, capsules, and more. Our core manufacturing facilities include two state-of-the-art factories: one in Kolkata and the other in Dahej, Gujarat, dedicated to API production. Additionally, we operate another division specializing in finished dosage formulations, which we produce at our advanced facility in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.
Q: What formulations does your company offer to the pharmaceutical industry, and what types of drugs commonly incorporate these formulations?
A: In our formulation division, we offer an extensive range of products, including anti-gastro medications and hematronics. Our portfolio boasts over 100 products. However, my primary focus lies in the API division, where we specialize in active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Q: When was your company established, and who do you consider your key competitors in the Indian market?
A: West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited has been in operation for 62 years, spanning over six decades. Among our key competitors is Acumen Pharmaceuticals, the leading company in API formulation.
Q: Given that many pharmaceutical companies import such products from China, is your company reducing dependency on these imports?
A: We do import certain products from China. Our primary focus remains on API manufacturing and supply. While competition with China exists, regulatory changes have significantly reduced imports from the region. Nevertheless, we still rely on the Chinese market for a select few products.
Q: What innovative products has your company developed, and how are they impacting the industry?
A: Yes, we manufacture several patented products, including those using advanced liposomal technology. We are pioneering this innovative approach, which is rapidly gaining traction in the market due to its significant advantages.
Q: What are the key advantages of this product, and how does it stand out in the market?
A: The availability of the product in liposomal form is significantly higher than that of the standard, plain ingredient.
