Collaboration expands life science company’s presence in Indian market
York-based OptiBiotix Health, which develops compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skincare, has confirmed the launch of a brand in India which contains its own SlimBiome® weight loss products.
The launch, under Dr Morepen’s newly developed LightLife brand, is being supported by a £1.5m marketing investment.
It follows on from a partnership agreement signed with Morepen in March 2024 for the sale of SlimBiome® containing products in India.
This is the first time OptiBiotix has co-invested in marketing with a partner on this scale.
Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “Morepen is an established, well known, and trusted brand and this launch represents a material step forward for the company’s products in the Indian market.
“This initial launch will involve six products with subsequent launches at the start of 2025.
“Based on Morepen’s current forecasts, this agreement could contribute in the region of £6m-7m revenue per annum to OptiBiotix in the next four to five years.
“The partnership has the potential to make a significant financial impact to the company.
“We are pleased to be part of such an innovative approach which sets a new benchmark for the weight management industry.”
Varun Suri, CEO of Dr Morepen, added: “We see the partnership between Dr Morepen and OptiBiotix as an important one and have high regard for the success OptiBiotix enjoys globally because of the science and functionality of the ingredient and trust in their brand.
“The upcoming launch of LightLife will be a first of its kind product in the Indian market and we have designed the products and the brand ethos to create a successful business and brand.
“The strategy teams, the PR partners and OptiBiotix India are all working in tandem to position the brand and the product as the most relevant in the lifestyle category of healthy weight management.
“We have top quality products with applications that complement the lifestyle of an urban Indian consumer and are excited for its future.”
Dr Morepen Ltd is a 100% owned subsidiary of Morepen Laboratories Ltd, an Indian pharmaceutical company listed on the Indian Stock Exchange.
Morepen Laboratories has more than 2,300 employees and sells over 800 products to over 82 countries.
It has direct access to over 200,000 pharmacies across India and indirect access to another 300,000 pharmacies.
OptiBiotix’s products will be sold on Morepen’s website, across all major e-commerce platforms in India and will be available in at least 5,000 pharmacies across all key cities in India within the first year of launch.
