The Weekly News Update is a weekly roundup of business news from around the Asia-Pacific region, covering Fusion Consulting's core industry practices: chemicals, consumer & retail, financial services, industrial & logistics, information & communication technology, life science and media & leisure. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested in subscribing, please forward this email to them and copy knowledge@fusionc.com.  Life science

Asia - India overtakes China in clinical trials Source: The Times of India, 5 April 2008 India has pipped China to become Asia's most popular destination for conducting clinical trials. According to India's Planning Commission, around 139 new trials were outsourced to India recently compared to 98 in China. While the market value for clinical trials outsourced to India is estimated at US$300 million, having increased by 65% in 2006, it is expected to touch US$1.5-2 billion by 2010. Factors such as a diverse genetic pool, large patient pool, drug naive population, competent medical professionals, high quality hospitals where trials can be undertaken and low cost of services have stimulated the flow of clinical research to India. India - Rural pharma the next engine of growth Source: Daily News & Analysis, 5 April 2008 Indian pharmaceutical industry is gradually picking pace in the rural markets. While metros and cities account for around 60% of the market share of the pharma industry, untapped potential of rural markets it is being seen as next volume driver of the industry. Rising income levels leading to more affordability, speeding up of health infrastructure, and lifestyle diseases along with health insurance are fuelling the growth in rural areas. Rural market grew at about 40% to touch US$1.4 billion in 2006-07. Market share of the rural pharma rose from 18% in 2005 to 21% in 2007. McKinsey expects the rural pharma market to be around 24% by 2015 and market size to reach US$4.8 billion from US$1.2 billion in 2005. India - Pharmaceutical M&As see unhealthy decline Source: Business Standard, 4 April 2008 The value of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare companies has declined sharply in the second half of 2007-08, indicating a change in outlook and strategy of companies. While the April to September period saw as many as eight major deals worth over Rs50 billion (US$1.3 billion), the second half of the year saw a sharp drop in the value of such deals to about Rs15 billion (US$375 million). The main reasons for the decline are concerns related to economic slowdown and a history of failed overseas acquisitions by Indian companies. High valuations of brands in the domestic market and a lack of viable facilities in India and abroad have also contributed to the slowdown.     View an example of our experience in this industry. Back to list of articles.  Visit our new website to sign up for free intelligence on Asian markets.

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