India, the world’s third-largest supplier of generic medicines, holds a significant market share of 20% and contributes 3.5% to the total pharmaceutical exports by volume. The domestic pharmaceutical market in India is projected to reach US$ 42 billion in 2021, with expectations to surpass US$ 65 billion by 2024. In terms of drug and pharmaceutical exports, India’s market is estimated at US$ 24.44 billion in 2021. The ongoing global pandemic has led to an increased demand for healthcare centers and vaccines, prompting India to supply medicines and vaccines to other countries.
1. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, was founded in 1983 by Dilip Shanghvi. With its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Sun Pharma has established itself as a prominent player in the industry. The company specializes in the production and sale of chronic and acute therapies, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and generic drugs in India and the United States. Sun Pharma’s extensive product range covers various therapeutic segments such as neuropsychiatry, cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, diabetology, respiratory, anti-infective, oncology, and more
2. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company, was founded in 1984 by Kallam Anji Reddy. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the industry. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories specializes in the production and sale of active pharmaceutical formulation, generic drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for drug producers, biotechnology products, diagnostics kits, and critical care. With more than 10 FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved plants across India, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories ensures the production of high-quality API.
3. Divi’s laboratories limited
Divi’s Laboratories, an Indian pharmaceutical multinational company, was founded in 1990 by Murali Devi. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, Divi’s Laboratories is known for its production of API, intermediates, and nutraceutical ingredients. With three manufacturing units located in Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, and Kakinada, and three research and development units in India, Divi’s Laboratories has established a strong presence in the industry. Being India’s second most valuable pharma company in terms of market capitalization, Divi’s Laboratories has gained recognition as one of the leading firms in the field.
4. Cipla
Cipla, an Indian multinational pharmaceutical firm, was founded in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Hamied in Mumbai. Cipla specializes in providing a wide range of generic medicines to address various medical conditions, including respiratory issues, diabetes, weight control, and more. As the world’s largest manufacturer of antiretroviral drugs, Cipla plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry. With a total of 34 manufacturing units in India and 80 other countries, Cipla ensures the availability of its medicines globally. The company has gained significant recognition in both the Indian and global markets due to its commitment to maintaining the highest standard of quality.
5. Aurobindo pharma
Aurobindo Pharma, a pharmaceutical firm, was founded in 1986 by V. Ramprasad Reddy and K. Nityanana Reddy. Headquartered in HITEC City, Hyderabad, Aurobindo Pharma specializes in the production of generic pharmaceuticals and API. The company initially started its operations by manufacturing a unit of semi-synthetic penicillin in Pondicherry. In 2014, Aurobindo Pharma acquired ACTAVIS, expanding its generic operations in seven Western European countries.
6. Torrent pharmaceuticals
Torrent Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharma company in India, was founded in 1959 by Uttambhai Nathalal Mehta. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Torrent Pharmaceuticals is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical firm with a presence in over 40 countries. The company is known for manufacturing high-quality products at affordable prices, ensuring accessibility to healthcare for all. Torrent Pharma has established itself as a prominent player in therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, women’s health care, anti-infective, diabetology, oncology, gynecology, and pain management.
7. Lupin Limited
Lupin, founded in 1968 by Desh Bandhu Gupta, is the largest pharma company producing a diverse range of products, including generic drugs, biotechnology products, and APIs. With a focus on areas such as anti-tuberculosis, asthma, diabetology, cardiovascular, anti-infective, and pediatrics, Lupin plays a vital role in addressing various healthcare needs. The company initially started its operations by manufacturing folic acid and iron tablets, later expanding into the production of TB drugs, which proved to be highly profitable. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Lupin has manufacturing units located in India, Mexico, Brazil, the United States, and Japan, ensuring a global presence.
8. Zydus Cadila healthcare
Zydus Cadila, founded in 1952 by Ramanbhai Patel, is the oldest company in the Indian market and has emerged as a leading manufacturer in the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, herbal product OTC products, and skincare products. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Zydus Cadila has established its presence in regulated markets such as the United States, Europe, South Africa, and Latin America. With over 30 manufacturing units worldwide, including India, Brazil, and the USA, Zydus Cadila ensures a robust production infrastructure. The company has made significant contributions during the current Covid-19 pandemic, developing a vaccine called ZyCoV-D and conducting human trials.
9. Abbott India
Abbott India, founded in 1944 by Dr. Wallace Calvin Abbott, is the largest and oldest multinational pharma company in India. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Abbott India is a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, a renowned pharmaceutical company based in the United States. The company specializes in the production of pharmaceutical drugs and offers a wide range of therapeutics, including neurology, women’s health, gastroenterology, anti-infective, diabetology, urology, thyroid, and vitamin products. With a portfolio of 400 branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott India is committed to delivering high-quality and reliable products to meet healthcare needs.
10. Alkem laboratories
Alkem Laboratories, founded in 1793 by Samprada Singh, is an Indian pharma multinational firm known for marketing high-quality generic pharmaceuticals, APIs, and nutraceuticals. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Alkem Laboratories has a strong presence in both India and international markets, with its products being marketed in over 50 countries worldwide. With 21 manufacturing facilities, including 19 in India and 2 in the USA, the company ensures a robust production infrastructure. Alkem Laboratories holds the distinction of being the first pharmaceutical company in India to achieve sales of over 1,000 million in the anti-infective drugs segment, showcasing its influence in the industry.
