Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) has set up ACI Herbal and Nutraceuticals, a novel business subsidiary that will operate in the functional ingredients industry.
If approved by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), ACI will have a majority stake in the business, holding 85% of its current worth.
The company will be responsible for the manufacture of tablets, syrups and ointments containing herbal ingredients, and will cater to the growing demand for nutraceuticals both in India and across the globe.
ACI isn't the first company in pharma making the move into the nutraceutical space, with other big drug manufacturers such as Acme Laboratories and Square Pharma also recently setting up operations in this market.
Navana Pharmaceuticals is also planning to set up a natural medicines unit, suggesting that industry players are actively acknowledging the current consumer interest in herbal remedies.
Currently, ACI aims to begin production by the end of 2025, with ingredients available for purchase by early next year.