Pharma market rebounds, asthma drug top seller

Representative image NEW DELHI: After months of sluggish sales, strong demand for derma and cardiac drugs drove the organised pharma retail market to double-digit growth in Nov, with heavy pollution in several parts of the country boosting Foracort sales. The medication, used for asthma and respiratory issues, topped the market in Nov with sales of Rs 82 crore, according to the latest data culled by TOI from IQVIA. Foracort assumed the top slot in Nov with a growth of 2%, while antibiotic Augmentin ranked second with a growth of 9% registering Rs 76 crore sales, and antidiabetic therapy Glycomet GP, ranked third, was almost flat at Rs 69 crore.

In terms of therapies, urology led the growth with 18% rise, while the derma, cardiac, and pain-relief segments followed with growth rates of 16%, 13%, and 13%, respectively. Further, pain-relief medication Zerodol SP posted a growth of 22%, while others which grew over 20% month-on-month include Ryzodeg, Rosuvas, Cilacar, Rybelsus and Duphalac. Sun Pharma continued to lead the pack with a share of 8% in the overall pharma retail market valued at Rs 2,28,059 crore.



Cipla and Dr Reddy's also increased their share month on month. During the month, both acute - mainly painkillers and anti-infectives - and chronic medication, those prescribed for long-term ailments, posted a double-digit growth 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. Domestic companies registered growth of nearly 11%, whereas MNCs grew just over 10%.

In 2025, the market will continue to grow by high-single digits, led by price increase and new launches, while volume growth remains muted, an analyst from HSBC told TOI. "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 helps control blood sugar levels and plays a role in weight management.

Globally, MNCs including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have launched blockbuster drugs for obesity and diabetes, which are expected to be launched in India over the next few years. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!.