gsk & novartis, page-7

Hi Mlm49er,

"Phosphagenics already have the inside running here with their TPM-enhanced topical cream, which has been released in India as Vovaren (Novartis) and Instanac (Themis) gel. IMO Novartis will evaluate the take-up and effectiveness of the Vovaren product before introducing it into their Voltaren markets worldwide."

You may have missed the second paragraph of Gbr's post...

"GSK and Novartis will create a new world-leading Consumer Healthcare business with 2013 pro forma revenues of £6.5 billion. GSK will have majority control..."

Importantly for the s/holders of POH, the Vovaren brand is managed by Novartis India, a small subsidiary company of Novartis which does not form any part of the GSK/Novartis Consumer Health Joint Venture. Imo, this may prove to be quite detrimental to any future plans that POH have already mapped out with its Indian partners...

Novartis-GSK-Eli Lilly deal may affect Indian market

An email questionnaire sent to Novartis India did not immediately elicit response, while a company spokesperson said it was too early to examine the implications of the deal in India, a GSK spokesperson told Business Standard;

"The India consumer business is not part of the joint venture but we will evaluate the opportunity, subject to shareholder approval, to potentially sell some of the joint-venture products in the country."

Novartis-GSK-Eli Lilly deal may affect Indian market

In layman's terms the new multi-billion dollar venture may decide to sell Voltaren to the Indian market in direct competition to Vovaren, but any subsequent decision to evaluate the efficacy of Vovaren products will now need to come, not from Novartis, but GSK.