Shots:

• Integrating innovation with the scientific principles of Ayurveda, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals caters to the growing needs of healthcare professionals, patients, and the animal healthcare sector
• PharmaShots welcomes Dr. Ikshit Sharma, Director at AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, in a riveting conversation. Ikshit stresses the significance of making investments in research and development for creating novel therapies and addressing critical healthcare needs
• While giving us a tour of AIMIL’s animal health products, Dr. Ikshit articulates the synergy between animal health and Ayurveda

Saurabh: Hi Dr. Ikshit, thank you for taking the time to speak with PharmaShots about AIMIL Pharmaceuticals. AIMIL is a well-established, legacy Ayurvedic pharmaceutical company, and as a second-generation entrepreneur, we’d love to hear about your vision for the company's short-term and long-term growth.

Dr. Ikshit: As a second-generation entrepreneur, under the mentorship of my father and respected Managing Director of AIMIL, Shri K K Sharmaji, our vision for the company focuses on balancing innovation with our legacy through the scientific principles of Ayurveda. In short, we aim to enhance our existing product lines through robust research and development, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals, patients and Animal Health care sector with simultaneous expansion of our market presence, especially in emerging areas. As far as long-term vision is concerned, we envision AIMIL becoming a leader in integrative healthcare solutions, where we blend traditional practices, like Ayurveda, with modern scientific advancements. We aim to position AIMIL as a trusted name in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities around the world.

Saurabh: That’s great insight, thank you. Shifting our focus, a bit to the company's future, AIMIL has been exploring multiple verticals like Ayurvedic ethical medicine, Ayurvedic animal health care, human cosmetic range, Animal Feed supplements Which area do you believe holds the greatest potential or has the opportunity to exceed your expectations?

Dr. Ikshit: The Ayurvedic ethical medicine, animal health care sector and cosmetic division hold tremendous potential, each offering unique opportunities. In the pharmaceutical sector, the ongoing evolution of healthcare, demands -innovative solutions, to address pressing challenges. By investing in research and development, we can create new therapies that not only meet critical healthcare needs but also position us, as leaders in a competitive market. The potential for breakthrough in treatment can lead to significant advancements in patient care. On the other hand, the animal health segment is experiencing significant growth, largely driven by rising pet ownership and an increasing focus on the welfare of livestock. Segments as Aqua medicine, Health and wellness products for Horses are also emerging with more requirements and are our area of focus for diversification. As consumers become more conscious of animal welfare, the demand for high-quality veterinary products and sustainable practices continues to rise. This area offers a unique opportunity for us to expand our product portfolio and positively impact the food supply chain, catering to an ever-growing market. Human cosmetic range, due to customer awareness about need for skin enrichment rather than skin masking, is now shifting towards Ayurvedic treatment rather than synthetic masking. Thus in shot all our verticles have the capacity to drive AIMIL's growth and innovation.

Saurabh: Let’s touch on a trending topic in healthcare: animal health. Can you tell us more about AIMIL’s Animal HealthCare division and its role in this sector?

Dr. Ikshit: Our Animal healthcare division plays a crucial role in the animal health sector, particularly focusing on innovative healthcare solutions for various animal species. Launched in 1995 with a strong foundation in poultry products, the division has since expanded its offerings to include solutions for livestock and pets. We aim to enhance the well-being of animals and improve the livelihood of farmers and common individuals in the animal husbandry sector. Our products are specifically designed to replace antibiotic growth promoters with safer alternatives like Phyto biotics and non-antibiotic growth promoters, addressing issues related to antibiotic residues in animal products. By prioritizing these innovative solutions, we aim to create a healthier environment for animals and contribute to a more sustainable future for the agricultural community and contribute to the ONE HEALTH policy of WHO. 

Saurabh: What are some of the key products under Animal HealthCare and what additional areas of research is AIMIL focusing on to improve the health and well-being of animals?

Dr. Ikshit: Recognizing the vital role of animal health, AIMIL Pharmaceuticals has expanded its expertise in animal healthcare, developing high-quality products for livestock, poultry, and pets. Among our key offerings are NEERI and NEERI KFT for kidney support, AMLYCURE DS to enhance feed conversion ratio (F.C.R.) and liveability while combating the damaging effects of aflatoxins and infectious bursal disease. AMYIELD VET GRANULES, a non-hormonal, environmental friendly galactagogue that improves the synthesis of ruminal biogenic amines. For reproductive health, AMYCORDIAL VET SYRUP serves as a potent oestrus inducer, helping to address delayed sexual maturity and conception in repeat breeders, while optimizing egg production. We also have ACBOLIC VET SYRUP to serve the expulsion of retained placenta, as a Uterine cleansing agent after manual removal of retained placenta, Regulation of lochial discharge, Delayed involution of uterus & Adjuvant therapy with uterine infection treatment.

Additionally, ASTHIGON VET SYRUP is designed to manage respiratory distress from chronic respiratory disease, infectious coryza, and viral infections. Another innovative product, AMYRON VET SYRUP, focuses on improving F.C.R. for optimal growth, increasing water intake during disease outbreaks, and alleviating stress from vaccination, debeaking, deworming, and other challenges during peak laying periods. Our CURAMIX 34 POWDER, is specially made with Methochelated 21 vitamins and minerals with 13 herbal bioactives. It is a highly enriched formula with Biotin, lysine, and organic chromium for improved milk production, reproductive efficiency, immunity, and overall health. We are also dedicated to furthering research in areas such as nutritional feed supplementation, Pet food and innovative aquatic formulations to enhance the overall health and well-being of animals.

Saurabh: This is an interesting one—do you believe there is any connection or synergy between Ayurveda and animal health?

Dr. Ikshit: Yes, I do believe there is a significant synergy between Ayurveda and animal health. Ayurveda’s holistic approach, which emphasizes balance among body, mind, and spirit, can be effectively applied to animals. The principles of Human physiology and its variation from different categories of animals, are deeply studied and similarly the role play of herbs in animal physiology is studied in detail and the products are designed as its outcome. This research has led to the development of products that offer a competitive advantage over synthetic medications, resulting in significant improvements in animal health due to their purely herbal composition. By addressing both physical and emotional health, integrating Ayurvedic principles into veterinary practice can lead to innovative and comprehensive care for animals, ultimately fostering healthier and happier lives.

Saurabh: While much of the industry focuses on companion animals, AIMIL seems to be heavily invested in developing products for dairy animals and livestock. What drove this decision? Is it addressing a commercial gap, or is there another reason? Could you also share some of the upcoming products or molecules AIMIL is developing in this space?

Dr. Ikshit: Our commitment to enhancing animal health and productivity in the agricultural sector drives our focus on developing products for dairy animals and livestock. While much of the industry prioritizes companion animals, we identified a significant need for natural solutions tailored specifically for livestock, supporting farmers and sustainable practices. For instance, administering Amyron Vet Syrup to stressed cows resulted in a significant improvement in their well-being. Neeri was used to address a prolapse case caused by UTI, and the caretakers were satisfied with the results. Additionally, there was a marked recovery in appetite among cows that had suffered from loss of appetite due to heavy antibiotic use after receiving Amlycure DS. We also observed positive outcomes for debilitated animals following treatment with Amlycure DS. These examples reflect our commitment to enhancing livestock health and supporting the agricultural community. We have taken a Technology transfer from Indian veterinary Research Institute for a cattle feed supplement to enhance milk production. We are also preparing for a series of Cattle feed supplement range based on the requirement of cattle.

Saurabh: AIMIL’s Animal HealthCare division has been making significant strides in animal healthcare. How does Animal HealthCare ensure that its products align with the latest advancements in veterinary science and meet the evolving needs of pet owners and veterinarians?

Dr. Ikshit: The veterinary industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, promising to transform the way veterinarians, pet owners, and veterinary professionals approach animal healthcare. This transformation is driven by a blend of advancements in veterinary medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and wearable technology, all aimed at enhancing the quality of veterinary care and the well-being of our furry friends. Our products align with the latest advancements in veterinary science by collaborating closely with veterinarians and industry experts to understand emerging challenges in animal healthcare. We invest in continuous research and development, validating our formulations through clinical studies to ensure efficacy and safety. Additionally, we provide educational resources to keep veterinarians informed about our products and the latest treatments. By adhering to strict regulatory standards, we maintain trust within the veterinary community, ensuring our solutions meet the evolving needs of animals.

Saurabh: With increasing awareness around preventive healthcare for animals, how does Animal HealthCare focus on preventive care solutions, and are there any upcoming products that aim to improve the overall wellness of animals before issues arise?

Dr. Ikshit: With the growing awareness of preventive healthcare for animals, we are committed to offering solutions that prioritize wellness and proactive care. We aim to develop products that not only address existing health issues but also enhance overall health and prevent future problems. Our upcoming feed supplements are specifically formulated to boost overall health, strengthen immunity, support digestive health, and promote optimal metabolic function. We believe that by encouraging proper nutrition and preventive measures, we can help animals thrive and decrease the likelihood of health issues in the future.

Saurabh: AIMIL is among the select companies that have successfully taken Ayurveda and Alternative Medicines to the global stage. Can you tell us about the countries where you currently sell Ayurvedic treatments, and where do you see future opportunities for expansion?

Dr. Ikshit: Thanks to the measures taken by Govt of India, AyushExcil, in which Aimil is an active member, the acceptance of alternative medicine, including practices like Ayurveda, has been steadily increasing in the global market. This trend is driven by greater consumer awareness of holistic health options and a growing preference for natural remedies over conventional pharmaceuticals. As a result, we have successfully established our market in several countries including UK, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Australia, CIS, GCC, China, Kenya, Mauritius, Nepal to name a few. These regions have shown a strong appreciation for the holistic benefits of Ayurveda, allowing us to cater to diverse health needs. Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities for expansion in other countries. Our focus remains on quality and authenticity, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of consumers worldwide.

Saurabh: For our final question, let's shift away from work for a moment. What do you enjoy doing in your free time outside the office? And, since we’re talking about animal health, do you have any pets at home? We’d love to hear more about them!

Dr. Ikshit: Amidst my busy schedule I really enjoy spending quality time with my pet. It brings me immense joy and companionship, offering a wonderful balance to my hectic life. I’m also an avid cricket fan; watching the matches is a thrilling way to relax and engage with a sport I love. Additionally, traveling allows me to explore new cultures and experiences, which I find incredibly enriching.

Image Source: Canva

About the Author:

Ikshit Sharma

Ikshit Sharma serves as the Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltd.  

AIMIL Pharmaceuticals is known for its quality herbal health products, established with the aim of, taking the legacy of Ayurveda ahead scientifically since 1984.

The Animal Health care division of AIMIL was started in 1995 with healthcare products for poultry. It was followed by products for cattle in 2017 and for Pet animals in 2021.

AIMIL produces authentic Ayurvedic medicines, supplements, and personal care products, which help millions across the globe to live a healthy & fulfilling life. AIMIL serves to contribute to ONE HEALTH MISSION through its AYURVEDIC ANIMAL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS and move towards HEALTH FOR ALL through its product reach in more than 30 countries. From a Diabetic -seeking quality of life, to a working woman- getting the right supplementation, to a person who is in love with her body and seeks the best real natural personal care range, our products are there to make a healthier impact on their lives. We take pride in our products’ quality, safety, and efficacy and the trust of our consumers that they have in us.

Related Post: Advancing Care for Hematologic Malignancies: Chris Heery from Arcellx in a Stimulating Dialogue Exchange with PharmaShots