Sun Pharma Leads with 8% Share in 2.28 Lakh Crore Pharma Market

Sun Pharma maintained its position at the forefront, holding an 8% share in the total pharmaceutical retail market worth Rs 2,28,059 crore. Cipla and Dr Reddy's likewise raised their shares from one month to the next. Throughout the month, both acute medications—primarily pain relievers and anti-infectives—and chronic medications, intended for long-term conditions, experienced a double-digit increase of 11% each.

"After a lull for the last three months, industry volumes reported positive growth of 3.5%. Rebound in growth for anti-infectives was led by key molecules like amoxicillin+clavulanic acid and ceftriaxone, pantoprazole+domperidone combination was main growth driver for gastro-intestinal therapy, cough syrups, formoteral+budesonide and levocetirizine+montelukast drove growth in respiratory therapies,'' an analyst from ICICI said.

Local firms experienced a growth of nearly 11%, while multinational corporations saw an increase of just above 10%. According to an analyst at HSBC, the market is expected to experience high-single-digit growth in 2025, driven by price hikes and new product launches, although volume growth will remain subdued. In 2025, we assume Indian companies will start their journey in GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs with the launch of generic liraglutide," he added. 

GLP-1 is a hormone that aids in regulating blood sugar levels and contributes to weight management. Worldwide, multinational corporations such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have introduced blockbuster medications for obesity and diabetes, anticipated to be released in India in the coming years.