Ahmedabad

Gujarat headquartered Hester Biosciences Limited, which is also India’s leading animal biological & health care company has launched its PPR (Peste Des Petits Ruminants) vaccine and Goat Pox vaccine.

With the launch of these vaccines as well as being the second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer in India, Hester has positioned itself to capitalise on upcoming opportunities in the animal health care industry globally as well as in India.

PPR vaccine is given once in a year to sheep and goats. PPR disease causes dysentery and death of the animal. It is therefore a disease of high economical importance worldwide. The total targeted population of sheep and goat for PPR vaccine in the world is 145 crores. In India, the targeted population is 20 crores.

Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, CEO & MD, Hester Biosciences Ltd said “The world market for PPR vaccine is slated to be for INR 300 crores annually. The Indian market is slated to be INR 40 crores annually. The PPR vaccine will contribute toward also the disease eradication programs of the Government of India. Hester is also the first company in India to manufacture the Goat Pox vaccine. This vaccine is to be given annually to goats. Goat Pox disease causes death in Goats.”

The total targeted population of goats for Goat Pox vaccine in the world is 97 crores, with 50% of that population being in Asia. In India, the targeted population is 14 crores. The world market for Goat Pox vaccine is slated to be for INR 500 crores annually. The Indian market is slated to be INR 70 crores annually.

Apart from poultry and large animal vaccines, the company has recently forayed into poultry health products and large animal health products. These four verticals put together will underpin Hester’s identity as a strong animal health company, addressing all segments in the animal health care sector. Company currently manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and health products for India and global markets. Company’s product portfolio comprises of over 47 vaccines and over 35 health products.

“We have already invested INR 7 crores in plant and machinery for stepping up our vaccine production capacity as well as towards increasing our vaccine range. We hope to invest another INR 18 crore in the next couple of years. This expansion will help us to meet rising demand from domestic and export markets” said Mr. Gandhi.

“We at Hester aspire towards improving the health of animals by diagnosing & preventing diseases. Our R&D department is involved in the development of on new products and vaccines for preventing diseases. Company currently exports to eight countries and product registration activities are going on in over 20 countries. In the next 3-4 years international business would be equal or more than the domestic sales” added Mr. Gandhi.

The global animal healthcare market stands at around $ 22 billion, off which the market size in India is estimated to be $ 375 million. India has a huge poultry and cattle population and with growing awareness, market is expected to see a multi-fold increase in years to come.

Hester Biosciences is a company manufacturing animal vaccines and health products with a focus on R&D towards developing next generation recombinant vaccines. Located near the city of Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, in Western India, Hester has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, having WHO-GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 & GLP certifications.

For the FY 2013-14, the company reported net profit of INR 10.09 crore on revenue of INR 69.05 crore. “Going forward we expect to cross INR 200 crore turnover by FY 16-17,” said Mr. Gandhi. The company is listed on BSE and NSE.

About: Hester Biosciences Limited

Hester Biosciences Limited is one of India’s leading animal health care companies. Being the country’s second largest poultry vaccine manufacturer, Hester has rightly positioned itself to capitalise on upcoming opportunities in the animal health care industry globally.

Apart from poultry vaccines, the company has recently forayed into poultry health products, large animal vaccines and large animal health products. These four verticals put together will underpin Hester’s identity as a strong animal health company, addressing all segments in the animal health care sector.

Founded in 1987 by Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, a first generation entrepreneur, he converted a proprietary trading business into Asia’s largest single-location animal biological manufacturing facility. Benchmarked to international quality compliance standards, Hester manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and health products in the Indian as well as global markets.

The Company has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility unit in Mehsana, Gujarat, complying with stringent international norms. Hester is WHO-GMP, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 certified.

The Company’s product portfolio comprises of over 47 vaccines and over 35 health products, which are distributed through Hester’s pan-India distribution network. Exports are currently to eight countries with registration process on in over 20 countries.

Hester’s key strength is embedded in its cutting-edge research and development capabilities. The Company’s R&D center is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

A team of 300 motivated individuals drives Hester.