In the ever-evolving Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical industries, ZIM Laboratories Limited shines brightly due to its steadfast dedication to innovation, patient-focused strategies, and global excellence.
Founded in 1989, ZIM Labs has been a pioneer in the creation, production, and distribution of unique generic products in oral solid forms. With a steadfast commitment to research and development, ZIM Labs has achieved significant milestones, firmly establishing itself as an industry leader.
Tracing the Journey of ZIM Laboratories: A Historical Perspective
ZIM Laboratories Limited has grown into a dynamic force in the pharmaceutical sector. The company’s core strength resides in its in-house research and development (R&D) infrastructure. This comprehensive R&D setup encompasses the entire spectrum of the product development cycle – from conceptualization to clinical studies, dossiers, manufacturing, and supplies. This commitment to innovation and in-house research has resulted in several significant technological milestones over the years.
ZIM Labs started in 1989. Shortly thereafter, the company listed on the OTC exchange (Over-the-Counter Exchange of India).
In 2000, the company revolutionized the landscape with Pellets Technology, marking a significant stride in pharmaceutical innovation. Additionally, it introduced Taste Masking Technology—a pivotal addition that not only set the company apart but also showcased a steadfast commitment to redefining pharmaceutical formulation.
In 2005 and 2010, ZIM Labs strategically expanded, adding Cephalosporin Blocks to its arsenal and reinforcing its position as a pharmaceutical powerhouse.
In 2013, ZIM Labs unveiled a cutting-edge facility for manufacturing Orally Disintegrating Strips, showcasing ground-breaking innovation and a commitment to excellence.
In 2014, ZIM Labs reached a pinnacle by proudly attaining WHO GMP Status for its Orally Disintegrating Strip Manufacturing Facility, garnering widespread recognition in the pharmaceutical industry.
In 2015, ZIM Labs built on its momentum by securing prestigious EU GMP Accreditation, reaffirming the company’s unwavering commitment to surpassing global quality standards.
In 2018, ZIM Labs triumphed in the EU GMP Audit, achieving “EU GMP Re-Accredited” status. This success reflected ZIM’s resilience and established it as a beacon of pharmaceutical excellence.
Each milestone tells the story of ZIM Laboratories’ resilient spirit, ongoing innovation, and dedication to surpassing global pharmaceutical standards. The journey persists, and the legacy of excellence endures.
ZIM’s Vision: A Guiding Philosophy
ZIM Laboratories Limited’s vision is succinct yet ambitious: “Making quality healthcare affordable through drug delivery solutions focusing on patient convenience and adherence.” This vision is not just a statement but a guiding philosophy that underpins every aspect of their business. The company’s aim is to provide technology-based drug delivery solutions for innovative and differentiated Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical products to customers worldwide.
Meet the Co-Promoters Leading the Way:
The company’s co-promoters are a cornerstone of its success:
- Dr. Anwar S. Daud (Chairman and Managing Director): Armed with a solid foundation in pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmaceutics, Dr. Daud initiated his professional voyage in 1981. A pivotal moment arrived in 1989 when he returned to his hometown, Nagpur, with a dream of entrepreneurship. This marked the inception of ZIM Laboratories. Dr. Daud’s fervor for research and innovation has propelled ZIM Labs to pioneer several groundbreaking process technologies, enabling the creation of unique delivery systems and distinctive pharmaceutical products.
- Mr. Zulfiquar Kamal (Director Finance): Mr. Kamal, a chartered accountant, has been an integral part of the company for more than 25 years. His tenure on the Board of Directors, dating back to 1991, exemplifies his enduring commitment. With over three decades of profound financial expertise, he brings a disciplined and strategic financial approach to the organization, especially as it continues to expand and evolve.
Cultivating a Vibrant Work Culture:
ZIM Laboratories cultivates a work culture that supports productivity, innovation, and collaboration. The company’s human resources policy plays a pivotal role in nurturing an environment that is conducive, productive, and harmonious, where the aspirations of employees align seamlessly with the organization’s vision for growth.
The Team consistently conducts structured training programs, aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of the workforce. This proactive approach empowers employees to effectively contribute to the realization of the company’s business objectives.
Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: A Priority
At ZIM Laboratories, the importance of its employees is paramount, as the company acknowledges that their expertise in diverse domains including pharmaceutical science, technology, marketing, legal, manufacturing, intellectual property, and commercialization is foundational to the company’s achievements.
The organization demonstrates its commitment to employee growth through substantial investments in development and training. Furthermore, ZIM Laboratories offers a comprehensive package of employee benefits, positioning itself as a highly desirable employer across all divisions.
Employee Well-Being: ZIM’s Unique Initiatives
The company offers a range of unique initiatives designed to ensure the well-being of its employees:
- Employee Benefits: Defined Contribution Plan: ZIM Labs has a Defined Contribution Plan for post-employment benefits, including Provident Fund and National Pension Fund, which are recognized by the income tax authorities and administered through appropriate bodies. The company contributes to a Government-administered Provident Fund and National Pension Fund and has no further obligations beyond its contributions.
- Defined Benefit Plan – Gratuity: ZIM Labs has a Defined Benefit Plan that includes Gratuity. The Gratuity scheme is funded through a Group Gratuity Cum Life Assurance Scheme from LIC.
- Compensated Absences: Accumulated compensated absences, expected to be availed or en-cashed within 12 months from the end of the year, are treated as short-term employee benefits. All other absences are categorized as long-term employee benefits.
Annual Turnover: Numbers that radiate success!
In FY2023, ZIM Laboratories Limited marked a significant milestone with a total turnover of Rs. 3,985 Mn in its business. This figure was composed of Rs. 3, 382 Mn generated from exports and Rs. 603 Mn from domestic sales. Additionally, the Nutraceuticals business made a noteworthy contribution, amounting to Rs. 903 Mn, of which Rs. 888 Mn came from exports, and Rs. 15 Mn from domestic sales.
The Heart of ZIM Labs:
ZIM Laboratories specializes in the development and supply of differentiated generic Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical products in Finished Formulations (FF) and Pre-Formulation Intermediates (PFI). The company focuses on key therapeutic categories across the rest of the world (RoW) markets.
Under the Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals umbrella, ZIM Labs offers:
- PFI Business: Partnering with manufacturers seeking solutions for the development, sourcing, and marketing of differentiated generic products.
- FF Business: Registration of products in select markets, with plans to enter into marketing tie-ups with local distributors and marketing companies for the launch of FF products as branded generics.
- Oral Thin Films (OTF): ZIM Labs’ patented Oral Thin Film Technology (Thinoral®) provides an alternative to traditional dosage forms. The OTF business has expanded to include high-value Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical products.
- New Innovative Products (NIP): ZIM’s New Innovative Products or NIP are ZIM’s complex and smart generic products which have been developed using in house proprietary technologies and non-infringing manufacturing processes.
Setting ZIM Laboratories Apart: Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)
ZIM Labs’ success is rooted in its strong and experienced in-house R&D capabilities. The company has an independent R&D Center recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India. ZIM Labs’ subsidiary, ZIM Health Technologies Limited (ZHTL), has been established to accelerate R&D efforts in product development, manufacturing, and supplying complex generic and high-end Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical products.
At ZIM Laboratories, we provide innovative drug delivery platforms, such as our fast-dissolving Oral Thin Films (OTF) using Thinoral® technology. This platform is not only designed to cater to patients with special needs but also bring advantages to diverse patient groups, including paediatrics, geriatrics, those with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), and individuals without easy access to water.
Along with OTF, ZIM’s New Innovative Products or NIP are ZIM’s complex and smart generic products which have been developed using in house proprietary technologies and non-infringing manufacturing processes. These are the newer generation molecules which have market size of $500Mn – $1.5Bn (Ex – USA, Japan) and present the opportunity to also be the 1st or 2nd generics in some markets. ZIM has a basket of 12 NIP under various stages of development and targeted for some Key Developed and Pharmerging Markets. The products have been developed using 4 versatile technology platforms developed in house namely –
- Micro -Emulsion Coating Technology (MECT)
- Pellet Cold Forming Technology (PCFT)
- Rapid Gelation Drug Release Technology (RGDRT)
- Matrix Pore Forming Tablet Technology (MAPOTAB)
These NIP aim to provide Bio – Equivalent formulations with value addition over existing innovator products. NIP are developed as complex generics using specialized tablet and capsule/ pellets in capsule technologies.
Our portfolio also encompasses various delivery techniques, including pellets with different release patterns (XR, IR, ER, SR, etc.), capsules, DC granules, tablets, dry syrups, and taste-masked powders. These offerings ensure enhanced drug efficacy, reduced dosage frequency, improved bioavailability, and increased patient convenience and treatment adherence.
Accolades and Recognition: A Testament to Growth
ZIM Laboratories’ commitment to innovation and quality has earned it several prestigious awards, including:
- Excellence In Pharma Global Business (April 2023)
- Global Nagpur Awards (December 2022)
- Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Award (December 2022)
- Strategy Execution Award (October 2021)
- Maharashtra Best Employer Award (July 2019)
These accolades are a testament to ZIM Labs’ dedication to pioneering pharmaceutical innovation.
Enriching Lives: ZIM Labs’ Pledge to Community and Society
ZIM Laboratories Limited believes in giving back to society and empowering vulnerable and marginalized communities. The company has partnered with various NGOs, government agencies, and implementing organizations to create a positive social impact.
- Knowledge Sharing through Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC):
In January 2023, ZIM Labs played a significant role in supporting India’s largest conclave, organized by the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University. The central theme of this influential event was “Access to Quality and Affordable Healthcare Products.”
ZIM Labs’ financial backing played a pivotal role in facilitating an array of knowledge-sharing activities during the conclave. These included scientific sessions, poster presentations, oral scientific sessions, educational initiatives, career planning resources, and the dissemination of awareness regarding the latest advancements in medical technologies.
The attendees of this event, thanks to ZIM Labs’ support, gained valuable insights into affordable access to safe and effective medicines and healthcare products. They also acquired knowledge about their right to health, explored career opportunities, and stayed updated on the latest medical products and technologies in the realm of medical care.
- Restoring the Ecosystem with CHIP Foundation:
In collaboration with the CHIP Foundation (Children in Pain), ZIM Labs provided essential support to the “Nisargvedh” pilot program located in Wakeshwar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This remarkable initiative was dedicated to the establishment of a unique biodiversity restoration mission.
The core objective of the program was to focus on ecological restoration through a variety of methods. These approaches included enhancing soil moisture through rainwater percolation, planting indigenous trees, shrubs, and grass species, and safeguarding the land against the threat of forest fires.
The significance of this initiative transcends the promotion of clean and fresh air. It extends to creating economic opportunities for local communities, enhancing local climate regulation, contributing to wildlife preservation, and conserving vital water and soil resources.
- Supporting Education through Round Table India Trust (RTIT):
As part of the “Freedom through Education” (FTE) project, ZIM Labs joined hands with RTIT to construct two classrooms at the Maharashtra Adhyayan Vidya Mandir in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This collaborative effort is dedicated to the enhancement of educational infrastructure and the facilitation of access to quality education for children in the region.
- Providing Clean and Safe Drinking Water:
ZIM Labs played a pivotal role in supporting New English High School, situated in close proximity to Kalmeshwar, Maharashtra. The company assisted in the installation of a water cooler, thereby ensuring that students have ready access to clean and safe drinking water.
- Upgrading Infrastructure at Rural Hospital, Kalmeshwar:
The company extended financial support to enhance the infrastructure of a rural hospital in Kalmeshwar, Maharashtra. This enhancement significantly improved the overall experience and convenience for patients at the hospital, which serves as a crucial healthcare resource for the local community and neighboring villagers.
Charting the Future: Ongoing Projects and Initiatives
ZIM Laboratories Limited places its trust in the swift convergence of science and technology within the global pharmaceutical arena, recognizing the substantial opportunities this convergence offers. The company maintains its steadfast commitment to innovating and diversifying generic products in a range of dosage forms for both Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals. This commitment now extends to encompass the Key Developed and Pharmerging markets, with a particular emphasis on Europe.
The company is also rapidly embracing digital transformation and has successfully developed and implemented an EU GMP-compliant ERP system. This system integrates five key software platforms, including engineering, finance, material management, manufacturing, and quality operations, creating a unified information source.
NSE Listing Marks ZIM Laboratories’ Path to Growth and Promise
In 2022, ZIM Laboratories achieved a significant milestone by getting listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in November. This listing reflects the company’s strength and growth prospects, promising an exciting years ahead.
Conclusion: A Legacy to Excellence
As ZIM Laboratories Limited persists in its journey of innovation, expansion, and its unwavering dedication to excellence, the company stands ready to etch a lasting impact in the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical sectors. Under visionary leadership and a culture deeply rooted in innovation, ZIM Labs is poised to ascend to greater heights. In doing so, it will forge a legacy of accessible, top-quality healthcare through cutting-edge drug delivery solutions. Simultaneously, the company will continue to make positive contributions to the community and society on a broader scale.
