Pharmaceutical Companies in India, Indian Pharma Industry- IBEF (2024)

India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally and is known for its affordable vaccines and generic medications. The Indian Pharmaceutical industry is currently ranked third in pharmaceutical production by volume after evolving over time into a thriving industry growing at a CAGR of 9.43% since the past nine years. Generic drugs, over-the-counter medications, bulk drugs, vaccines, contract research & manufacturing, biosimilars, and biologics are some of the major segments of the Indian pharma industry. India has the most number of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are in compliance with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and has 500 API producers that make for around 8% of the worldwide API market.

Indian pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global demand for various vaccines, 40% of generic demand in the US and 25% of all medicine in the UK. The domestic pharmaceutical industry includes a network of 3,000 drug companies and ~10,500 manufacturing units. India enjoys an important position in the global pharmaceuticals sector. The country also has a large pool of scientists and engineers with a potential to steer the industry ahead to greater heights. Presently, over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms. India is rightfully known as the "pharmacy of the world" due to the low cost and high quality of its medicines.

Market size of India pharmaceuticals industry is expected to reach US$ 65 billion by 2024, and ~US$ 130 billion by 2030. According to the government data, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is worth approximately US$ 50 billion with over US$ 25 billion of the value coming from exports. About 20% of the global exports in generic drugs are met by India.

India is among the top 12 destinations for biotechnology worldwide and 3rd largest destination for biotechnology in Asia Pacific. In 2022, India’s Biotechnology industry crossed US$ 80.12 billion, growing 14% from the previous year.

During FY18 to FY23, the Indian pharmaceutical industry logged a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-8%, primarily driven by an 8% increase in exports and a 6% rise in the domestic market.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has seen a massive expansion over the last few years and is expected to reach about 13% of the size of the global pharma market while enhancing its quality, affordability, and innovation.

The biosimilars market in India is estimated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% to become US$ 12 billion by 2025. This would represent almost 20% of the total pharmaceutical market in India.

India is the 3rd largest producer of API accounting for an 8% share of the Global API Industry. About 500+ different APIs are manufactured in India, and it contributes 57% of APIs to prequalified list of the WHO.

The current market size of the medical devices sector in India is estimated to be US$ 11 billion and its share in the global medical device market is estimated to be 1.5%.

The domestic pharmaceutical sector expects sales to grow 8-10% in the financial year 2023-24, indicated an analysis done by CRISIL, a global analytical research and rating agency.

Indian pharma companies have a substantial share in the prescription market in the US and EU. The largest number of FDA-approved plants outside the US is in India.

According to the Indian Economic Survey 2021, the domestic market is expected to grow 3x in the next decade. India’s domestic pharmaceutical market stood at US$ 42 billion in 2021 and is likely to reach US$ 65 billion by 2024 and further expand to reach US$ 120-130 billion by 2030. India's biotechnology industry comprises biopharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industry, and bioinformatics. The Indian biotechnology industry was valued at US$ 70.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 150 billion by 2025. India’s medical devices market stood at US$ 10.36 billion in FY20. The market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 37% from 2020 to 2025 to reach US$ 50 billion. As of August 2021, CARE Ratings expect India's pharmaceutical business to develop at an annual rate of ~11% over the next two years to reach more than US$ 60 billion in value.

In the global pharmaceuticals sector, India is a significant and rising player. India is the world's largest supplier of generic medications, accounting for 20% of the worldwide supply by volume and supplying about 60% of the global vaccination demand. The Indian pharmaceutical sector is worth US$ 42 billion worldwide. In August 2021, the Indian pharmaceutical market increased at 17.7% annually, up from 13.7% in July 2020. According to India Ratings & Research, the Indian pharmaceutical market revenue is expected to be over 12% Y-o-Y in FY22.

Pharmaceutical is one of the top ten attractive sectors for foreign investment in India. The pharmaceutical exports from India reach more than 200 nations around the world, including highly regulated markets of the USA, West Europe, Japan, and Australia. India supplied around 45 tonnes and 400 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to around 114 countries globally.

India’s drugs and pharmaceuticals exports stood at Rs. 2,08,231 crore (US$ 25.3 billion) for FY23, as per the data by Pharmexcil.

Exports of drugs and pharmaceuticals recorded a positive growth of 8.14% between April-October 2023.

Exports of Drugs & Pharmaceuticals was estimated to be at US$ 2.42 billion in October 2023 and shared 7.21% of the total exports of the month.

India is the 12th largest exporter of medical goods in the world. Indian drugs are exported to more than 200 countries in the world, with US being the key market. Generic drugs account for 20% of the global export in terms of volume, making the country the largest provider of generic medicines globally. Indian drug & pharmaceutical exports stood at US$ 24.60 billion in FY22 and US$ 24.44 billion in FY21. Indian drug & pharmaceutical exports stood at US$ 2.19 billion in September 2022.

The Indian Pharmaceuticals industry plays a prominent role in the global pharmaceuticals industry. India ranks third worldwide for production by volume and 14th by value.

In this regard the sector has seen a lot of investments and developments in the recent past.

• Up to 100%, FDI has been allowed through automatic route for Greenfield pharmaceuticals projects. For Brownfield pharmaceuticals projects, FDI allowed is up to 74% through automatic route and beyond that through government approval.
• The cumulative FDI equity inflow in the Drugs and Pharmaceuticals industry is US$ 21.58 billion during the period April 2000-September 2023. This constitutes almost 3.3% of the total FDI inflow received across sectors.
• In August 2023, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mr. Bhupender Yadav launched Chemotherapy Services in 30 ESIC Hospitals across the country.
• An MoU was signed on June 4, 2023, between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Ministry of Health, Government of Suriname for Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) in Suriname.
• In May 2023, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush joined hands to advance the Unani System of Medicine in India.
• Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2023 speech said that the government has plans to increase the number of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' from 10,000 to 25,000.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals will soon launch the Scheme for the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma (PRIP) MedTech Sector. The scheme has been approved by the Union Cabinet for a period of five years starting from 2023-24 to 2027-28 with a total outlay of Rs. 5,000 crore (US$ 604.5 million).
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited (EPL) becomes the first ever company to launch Orofer FCM 750, a new extension of its parenteral iron brand containing Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM). The dose is suitable for the majority of Indian patients with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
• Japanese companies have been invited to invest in the Indian Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry. The cooperation between Pharmaceutical Traders Association and Japan Federation of Medical Devices Associations of the two countries can contribute to stabilize the global supply-chain especially of APIs and Medical Devices.
• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on March 6, 2023, a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company that is developing deuruxolitinib, a novel, deuterated, oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, for the potential treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe alopecia areata.
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Glenmark), an innovation-driven, global pharmaceutical company, is the first to launch a unique I.V. injection formulation, Akynzeo I.V., in India for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), under an exclusive licensing agreement with Helsinn, a Swiss biopharma group company.
• Entod Pharmaceuticals launched its new ocular aesthetic range focused on improving eye comfort and enhancing the aesthetics of the eyes.
• BDR Pharmaceutical launched the first generic apalutamide (brand name Apatide) in India to treat both metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer as well as non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. The product will be available across India.
• Anglo French Drugs & Industries Limited (AFDIL), a 99-year-old organization in the pharmaceutical sector, announced that it has entered into the fertility space with the launch of the LYBER range.
• Eli Lilly introduces Ramiven in India, for certain high-risk early breast cancer patients in November 2022.
• ICPA Health Products Ltd (ICPA), a leading pharma company in the oral healthcare segment, launched its latest product – Heximetro at the annual conference of the Indian Society of Periodontology (ISP) in November 2022.
• The FDI inflows in the Indian drugs and pharmaceuticals sector reached US$ 19.90 billion between April 2000-June 2022.
• The Indian drugs and pharmaceuticals sector received cumulative FDIs worth US$ 19.41 billion between April 2000-March 2022.
• The foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the Indian drugs and pharmaceuticals sector reached US$ 1,414 million between in FY 2021-22.
• The Indian pharmaceutical industry generated a trade surplus of US$ 15.81 billion in FY22.
• Medical Device industry is expected to reach US$ 50 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 15%.
• In November 2022, Sun Pharma and SPARC entered into a license agreement for commercialization of phenobarbital for injection in the US.
• Glenmark becomes the First Company in India to launch Teneligliptin + Dapagliflozin Fixed Dose Combination in October 2022.
• In October 2022, Lupin signed an agreement to acquire two inhalation brands from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories announced the launch of Lenalidomide Capsules in the U.S. with two of six strengths eligible for first-to-market, 180-day exclusivity in September 2022.
• In June 2022, Cipla partnered with Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to announce the launch of a 4-in-1 antiretroviral treatment for children living with HIV in South Africa.
• Glenmark becomes the first pharmaceutical company to launch Indacaterol + Mometasone fixed-Dose combination drug for Asthma in India.
• In May 2022, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries plans to launch Bempedoic Acid under the brand name Brillo, in India for reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• In May 2022, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories enters into exclusive partnership with HK inno.N Corporation to commercialise novel molecule Tegoprazan in India & select emerging markets.
• In April 2022, Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. inked a pact with MediCane Health to announce the launch of medical cannabis products in Germany.
• The Union Cabinet have its nod for the amendment of existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the pharmaceutical sector in order to allow FDI up to 100% under the automatic route for manufacturing of medical devices subject to certain conditions.
• In March 2022, Themis Medicare Ltd. (Themis), announced the approval of its antiviral drug VIRALEX by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
• The National Digital Health Blueprint has the potential to generate nearly US$ 200 billion in added economic value for India's healthcare industry over the next 10 years.
• In October 2021, AstraZeneca India launched a Clinical Data and Insights (CDI) division to further strengthen its global presence and manage data-related aspects of its clinical trials.
• In September 2021, the Indian government contributed US$ 4 billion to the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
• In August 2021, Uniza Group, an Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical firm, signed an agreement with Lysulin Inc. (an US-based firm) to introduce Lysulin, a nutritional product for Indian consumers.
• In May 2021, Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL) and Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals Corporation (BIBCOL) inked technology transfer pacts with Bharat Biotech to develop the vaccine locally to boost India's vaccination drive. The two PSUs plan to start production of vaccines by September 2021.

Some of the initiatives taken by the Government to promote the pharmaceutical sector in India are as follows:

• As per the Union Budget 2023-24:
  • A mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047 will be launched. It would involve raising awareness, conducting a comprehensive screening of seven crore individuals in the impacted tribal regions between the ages of 0 and 40, and providing counselling through coordinated efforts.
  • For innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, through centres of excellence, a new initiative to encourage pharmaceutical research and innovation will be implemented. The government persuades business to spend money on R&D in a few chosen priority fields. At the grassroots level, government has also announced on building 157 nursing colleges in co-location with government medical colleges.

• The Union Cabinet, on April 26, 2023, approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023. The National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 is expected to facilitate an orderly growth of the medical device sector to meet the public health objectives of access, affordability, quality and innovation.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM):
  • Under the ABDM, citizens will be able to create their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers, to which their digital health records can be linked. This will enable creation of longitudinal health records for individuals across various healthcare providers and improve clinical decision making by healthcare providers.
  • The pilot of ABDM is completed in the six Union Territories of Ladakh, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Puduch*erry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep with successful demonstration of technology platform developed by the NHA.

• During the pilot, digital sandbox was created in which more than 774 partner solutions are undergoing integration. As of September 4, 2023, 450,164,619 Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts have been created and 224,967 doctors and 218,602 health facilities have been registered in ABDM.
• Scheme for Development of Pharma industry – Umbrella Scheme:
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals has prepared an Umbrella Scheme namely ‘Scheme for Development of Pharma industry’. Which comprises of the following sub schemes:
  • Assistance to Bulk Drug Industry for Common Facilitation Centres
  • Assistance to Medical Device Industry for Common Facilitation Centres
  • Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry (CDP-PS)
  • Pharmaceutical Promotion and Development Scheme (PPDS)
  • Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS)

• As per the Union Budget 2022-23:
  • Rs. 3,201 crore (US$ 419.2 million) has been set aside for research and Rs. 83,000 crore (US$ 10.86 billion) has been allocated for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Rs. 37,000 crore (US$ 4.83 billion) has been allocated to the 'National Health Mission’.
  • Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.28 billion) has been allocated to Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
  • The Ministry of AYUSH has been allocated Rs. 3,050 crore (US$ 399.4 million), up from Rs. 2,970 crore (US$ 389 million).

• In March 2022, under the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme, a total financial outlay of Rs. 500 crore (US$ 665.5 million) for the period FY22 to FY26 were announced.
• India could restart deliveries of COVID-19 shots to global vaccine-sharing platform COVAX in November-December 2021 for the first time since April 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO), which co-leads COVAX, has been pushing India to resume supplies for the programme, particularly after it sent ~4 million doses to neighbours and allies in October 2021.
• In November 2021, PM Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Global Innovation Summit of the pharmaceuticals sector. The summit will have 12 sessions and over 40 national and international speakers deliberating on a range of subjects including regulatory environment, funding for innovation, industry-academia collaboration and innovation infrastructure.
• In August 2021, Union Health Minister, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that an additional number of pharmaceutical companies in India are expected to commence manufacturing of anti-coronavirus vaccines by October-November 2021. This move is expected to further boost the vaccination drive across the country.
• In June 2021, Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman announced an additional outlay of Rs. 197,000 crore (US$ 26,578.3 million) that will be utilised over five years for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme in 13 key sectors such as active pharmaceutical ingredients, drug intermediaries and key starting materials.
• To achieve self-reliance and minimise import dependency in the country's essential bulk drugs, the Department of Pharmaceuticals initiated a PLI scheme to promote domestic manufacturing by setting up greenfield plants with minimum domestic value addition in four separate ‘Target Segments’ with a cumulative outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore (US$ 951.27 million) from FY21 to FY30.
• In May 2021, under Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0, Mission COVID Suraksha was announced by the Government of India to accelerate development and production of indigenous COVID vaccines. To augment the capacity of indigenous production of Covaxin under the mission, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, provided financial support in the form of a grant to vaccine manufacturing facilities for enhanced production capacities, which is expected to reach >10 crore doses per month by September 2021.