Ashish Gulati

Founder & Managing Director

The pharmaceutical contract manufacturing market in India is set for rapid expansion, driven by its costeffective manufacturing capabilities, adherence to stringent quality standards, and continuous technological advancements. Strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical firms, rising demand for generic drugs, and supportive government initiatives further fuel growth prospects. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 35 percent over the next five years, India solidifies its position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape, offering highquality, cost-efficient solutions to meet the increasing demand for healthcare products worldwide.

With a rich legacy spanning 35 years, Astonea Labs is one of the distinguished manufacturing companies, recognized as a trusted partner for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical solutions. The firm stands poised for remarkable growth within the sector, leveraging its multifaceted approach that encompasses both contract manufacturing and the development of proprietary branded products. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 44 percent over the next five years, Astonea Labs is strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Astonea Labs operates with pride in Village Haripur (Raipur Rani), nestled within Haryana's Panchkula district. Positioned strategically, this locale facilitates seamless service to both domestic and international markets. Its cutting-edge manufacturing facility spans an impressive 20,000 square meters, meticulously crafted and managed to adhere rigorously to ISO standards and the stringent regulatory protocols outlined by the USFDA, while also integrating international machinery for production excellence.

While skincare remains a cornerstone of its expertise, the firm extends its reach across a diverse array of therapeutic areas, including supplements, pharmaceuticals, and herbals. Within the pharmaceutical sector, Astonea Labs caters to a wide spectrum of therapies, spanning dermatology, gynecology, urology, oncology, gastroenterology, cardiology, diabetic care, and renal health. Its extensive product portfolio boasts around 1700 SKUs manufactured in-house, showcasing its robust capabilities and commitment to meeting varied market demands.

“Our mission propels us to extend our influence worldwide through our proprietary brands while also becoming a preferred global supplier. We envision crafting sustainable brands with global resonance, leaving a lasting impact on people's lives. Through our meticulously researched portfolio of products, we aim to connect with the global masses, ensuring our offerings resonate deeply and enrich the lives of consumers around the world”, says Ashish Gulati, Founder and Managing Director at Astonea Labs.

Ashish Gulati currently spearheads the entire unit, leading a team of seasoned professionals in quality control, assurance, production, marketing, and regulatory affairs. With a background in motorsport engineering from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, and schooling at Hansraj Public School, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership to the company. Under his guidance, Astonea Labs has flourished, boasting a wide array of new and innovative molecules that have reshaped the pharmaceutical and cosmetic landscape. His entrepreneurial acumen and organizational prowess have propelled the company towards its vision of becoming a global pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing hub.

The wealth of experience at Astonea Labs enables the team to navigate complexities effectively, streamline processes, maintain quality standards, and foster strategic partnerships, thus contributing significantly to the firm's expansion and success in the market. The team's expertise extends to meticulous documentation for exports, ensuring compliance with regulations in target countries. With senior leadership boasting a minimum of 20 years of experience in the industry, their collective knowledge and proficiency play a pivotal role in the firm's growth trajectory.

What sets Astonea Labs apart from competitors is its unparalleled flexibility in product development. Unlike many manufacturers that rely on pre-existing formulations, the firm boasts a dedicated formulation development unit, enabling them to swiftly create new formulations and anticipate market trends. This proactive approach ensures that they are primed to produce cuttingedge products as soon as they hit the market. Another distinguishing factor is the consistent quality of products delivered by the firm. Whether exporting internationally or distributing domestically within India, the company maintains unwavering standards. This commitment to quality assurance ensures that customers receive products of the highest caliber, regardless of their geographical location.

Commitment to Quality & Client-Centric Excellence

Astonea Labs is recognized for its unwavering dedication to quality assurance, ensuring that pharmaceutical products meet stringent industry standards across domestic and international markets. By adhering to rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and multiple certifications including WHO, ISO, CE, PETA, HALAL, ECO CERT, and more, the firm ensures the highest levels of product integrity and safety. This commitment to excellence not only fosters trust and loyalty among customers worldwide but also distinguishes it as a leading player in the competitive pharmaceutical contract manufacturing landscape.

In terms of client engagement, Astonea Labs prioritizes understanding and fulfilling the specific requirements of each client to deliver tailored services effectively. The engagement process begins with comprehensively assessing client needs and preferences. Upon receiving an order, The firm initiates the formulation sourcing process, meticulously selecting and procuring approximately 20 ingredients from global suppliers. Each ingredient undergoes stringent quality testing in the lab before production planning commences. During production, semi-finished products are subjected to further quality assessments to ensure adherence to predefined parameters. Post-production, final products undergo comprehensive testing before packaging and shipment to clients, ensuring that every product meets the highest quality standards. With efficient delivery timelines of 60 days for complex molecules and 40 days for common molecules, the firm remains committed to delivering exceptional quality pharmaceutical solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices & Innovative Growth Strategies

Astonea Labs prides itself on its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, which play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact and ensuring optimal value delivery to clients. At the heart of their sustainability efforts lies their zero-liquid discharge manufacturing facility, designed to eliminate the release of hazardous waste in any form - solid, liquid, or gaseous.

The firm employs innovative methods to recycle and reuse resources, particularly water, throughout the manufacturing process. By implementing advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO), they treat nonpotable water discharged from processes, converting it for reuse in activities such as gardening and laboratory sanitization. Additionally, gaseous emissions, including steam, undergo rigorous purification processes before release, ensuring minimal environmental impact and adherence to stringent quality standards.

Looking ahead, Astonea Labs is dedicated to advancing its sustainability initiatives and product portfolio through ongoing innovation. One key focus area is the development of an environmental regulation system within the plant, aimed at maintaining consistent room conditions during production batches. By leveraging methodologies such as Kaizen, the company aims to streamline production changeovers, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing overall operational efficiency. With a vision to minimize changeover times from the industry average of 40 percent to just 15 percent, the firm seeks to maximize productivity while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Through its relentless pursuit of sustainability and innovation, Astonea Labs is poised to continue delivering value-driven solutions to its clients while contributing positively to the environment and the community at large. “I am immensely proud of our customers, team, and supporters who have been instrumental in our journey. While this marks a significant milestone, it's just the beginning of our path. We are continually striving to innovate and develop Nobel products. Having established a robust presence in personal care, we are committed to further advancements in the realm of personal care. There is immense potential for growth and exploration, and we are dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in this field”, concludes Ashish Gulati.