Piramal acquires Cipla's OTC contraceptive brand `i-pill' for Rs95 crore
23 Mar 2010
Piramal Healthcare Limited today signed an agreement with Cipla Limited to purchase all intellectual property rights in India related to `i-pill' for the brand for a total consideration of Rs95 crore.
The acquisition of "i-pill" strengthens Piramal's over the counter (OTC) portfolio, which has strong consumer brands such as Lacto Calamine skin care range, Supractiv Complete, Saridon and Polycrol antacid.
I-pill is an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) used to prevent unplanned pregnancy and is available over the counter at local chemists. It is not an abortion pill.
I-pill features in the top-300 pharmaceutical products and had sales of Rs30.9 crore in the last 12 months, as per ORG IMS.
The feminine contraceptive contains Levonorgestrel, a progestogen that helps prevent unwanted pregnancies if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. "i-pill" has no long term or serious side effects and is safe to use for almost every woman except those who are allergic to evonorgestrel.
I-pill has been instrumental in building awareness about the emergency contraceptive pill category in India.