Baiyunshan and Baxter finalise parenteral nutrition jv

Baxter International and Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical (GBP) have formally established a joint venture (jv) to produce and sell parenteral nutrition products in China

The jv will operate as Guangzhou Baxter Qiaoguang Healthcare (GBQH) and will be based in Guangzhou province. Per the November 2006 agreement, both companies have entered a 50/50 jv and are each investing between USD 65m and USD 70m.

GBP has contributed its existing parenteral nutrition manufacturing facility located in Guangzhou, while Baxter is providing new product technologies, technical expertise, product line management and clinical and marketing support.

Parenteral nutrition products are administered intravenously to provide life-sustaining support for patients who cannot achieve adequate nutrition through other means. The new jv will manufacture and sell current Baiyunshan parenteral nutrition offerings along with Baxter's nutrition products.

Baxter's ClinOleic, an olive oil-based parenteral emulsion, and Clinimix, a dual-chamber bag parenteral solution are currently produced in Belgium. Baiyunshan's parenteral products will continue to be produced at the Guangzhou facility, which will gradually expand to include the production of Baxter's products.

Baxter's FY06 sales in China totalled USD 150m and have increased approximately 25 per cent per year since 2004.