Sandoz will export the medicines produced in Targu Mures also to the United States, according to Sandoz chairman of the Board Iztok Sever. "This makes us very proud of our operations in Romania, because our entrance on the largest medicines market in the world, after we receive the GMP certification for the USA, stands as recognition of the quality of our products," he said.

Sandoz is not interested in starting a research center in Romania because their ambition is to produce "high quality medicines for reasonable prices." One researched molecule can require an investment of over 800 million USD, without any guarantees, Sandoz said. The company is in a process of acquiring the Novartis investments in research centers in Germany, Austria and Slovenia.

At the moment, the Sandoz facility in Targu Mures produces GMP-certified medicines and exports most of the production to European countries. Company representatives estimate that 80% of the Romanian output in 2008 will be exported.

The company concluded last year with 41.2 million EUR in turnover, placing third among generic medicines producers. According to a Cagedim survey, Sandoz secured a 7.64 percent market share, with company officials estimating it at 8 percent in 2006. Sales reported for Q1, 2006 marked a 23.24 percent year-on-year growth.

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