Quick Summary
The Indian pharmaceutical industry plays a significant role in global healthcare, supplying medicines to numerous countries. It has a reputation for producing high-quality, cost-effective drugs. In this article, we will explore the top pharma companies in India, their contributions to healthcare, and what makes them industry leaders.
Below is a detailed list of the top 20 pharma companies in India, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and other key details.
Founded in 1983, Sun Pharma is India’s largest pharmaceutical company and one of the biggest specialty generics manufacturers globally. The company has made significant strides in the production of high-quality medicines across various therapeutic areas like cardiology and neurology.
Established in 1984, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is one of the key players in affordable generics and biosimilars. The company serves markets in over 25 countries, focusing on providing affordable medicines for critical therapeutic areas.
Founded in 1935, Cipla has emerged as a leader in producing generic medicines and innovative drug formulations. The company has expanded its global presence with a focus on respiratory and cancer therapies, helping make life-saving drugs more accessible. The company places a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D), with over 1,500 products in its extensive portfolio.
Lupin is an Indian pharmaceutical company founded by Deshbandhu Gupta in 1968. It has its base in Mumbai. Initially, the firm used to produced folic acid and iron tablets. By revenue, Lupin was the 7th largest specialty generic pharma firm in 2019. A vast line of goods, including generic drugs, APIs, and biotechnology goods, are produced by it. These are sold in more than 100 countries. Lupin has a long-standing presence on the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange, and its shares are also traded on the New York Stock Exchange. It is among top pharma companies in India.
Among the top pharma companies in India is Torrent Pharma, which serves as the Torrent Group’s flagship company. It was founded in the year 1959. Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters are in Ahmedabad. The firm employs nearly 12,000 people and has its products available in nearly 50 countries. Torrent Pharmaceuticals owns seven firms: Generic KG, Heumann Pharmaceutical GmbH &co., and Bio-pharm, Inc. The firm is known for producing high-end products at cheap prices. Torrent Pharma is indexed in many therapeutic areas. These include those dealing with the heart, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, women’s health, anti-infectives, diabetology, cancer, gynecology, and pain management.
Indian Multinational Pharma Company Aurobindo Pharma was founded in 1986 by K.N. Reddy. This firm is leaving its impact on the market with over 1000 products. This shows a strong R&D base. Aurobindo Pharma owns firms like Aurobindo Astrazeneca, Novagen Pharma, and AuroZymes. Aurobindo Pharma is headquartered in Hyderabad and is recognized for its extensive range of generic drugs and is among top pharma companies in India. The company’s products are sold in over 150 countries, showcasing its global reach and impact in the pharmaceutical market. Some of its most well-known medications include Amoxicillin, an antibiotic, and Ibuprofen, along with various other essential drugs.
Zydus Cadila, formerly Cadila Healthcare Ltd., was founded by Ramanbhai Patel in 1952. It is among the top 10 pharma companies in India. The company is listed among the top pharma companies in India with a worth of Rs 66,093 crores. It has an employee base of 22,000. The headquarters of this firm is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is an Indian Multinational Company that has its base in Mumbai. It was established in 1977. It started to become a globally recognized pharma firm having a strong research base. The firm has a strong presence in over 50 countries and many production facilities in India.
Biopharma company Biocon was founded in 1978 by Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. It has its headquarters in Bangalore. The firm is known for manufacturing generic active pharma ingredients. It sells them in over 100 countries on a grand scale. It is a fully integrated innovation-led firm that develops complex APIs and cheap biosimilars.
Zydus Cadila, founded in 1952, focuses on innovation-driven therapies and preventive healthcare solutions. The company has been instrumental in developing vaccines and biosimilars that contribute significantly to the global healthcare sector.
Abbott India, a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, focuses on medical devices, diagnostics, and nutritional products, in addition to its strong pharmaceutical portfolio. Abbott has a rich history of providing innovative healthcare solutions across the globe. Abbott is known to be the oldest and biggest pharmaceutical company in India. All over the globe, this firm produces 400 generic drugs of premium quality. The firm deals in thyroid, vitamin, urological, gastrointestinal, anti-infective, diabetology, and women’s health drugs and treatments. Plus, the firm offers vaccines against the flu, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Divi’s Laboratories is among the top pharma companies in India. Divi’s Laboratories is known for its leadership in manufacturing APIs and intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry. The company also develops generic formulations and is recognized globally for its high-quality oncology products.
The firm has three manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, and Kakinada along with three R&D facilities in India. On a global level, Divi now controls the market for nine generic APIs.
Emcure Pharmaceuticals, established in 1981, is a leading pharmaceutical company with a strong portfolio in oncology, cardiovascular, and HIV/AIDS treatments. The company is known for its innovative approach to drug development and global reach. Emcure Pharmaceuticals boasts some of the best infrastructures, resources, and skills in the industry, which contribute to its success. In FY 2024, the company achieved a revenue of Rs 5,812 crores, reflecting its strong performance in the competitive pharmaceutical market.
Intas Pharmaceuticals is among the top pharma companies in India. Intas Pharmaceuticals has made remarkable progress in manufacturing affordable and high-quality generic drugs. With a strong focus on therapeutic areas like oncology, cardiology, and dermatology, Intas is one of India’s top pharmaceutical companies. As one of the top pharma companies in India, it demonstrates a commitment to research and development, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.
Mankind Pharma is one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in India. The company is well-known for its high-quality generic medicines and its focus on providing affordable healthcare solutions, especially in OTC products. Mankind Pharma operates under the motto of “Serving Life,” reflecting its commitment to affordable healthcare. In FY 2024, the company achieved a revenue of Rs 7,594.7 crores, demonstrating its strong presence in the pharmaceutical market. Mankind Pharma focuses on providing high-quality medications at very low prices, making essential drugs accessible to a wider population.
Laurus Labs has emerged as a major player in the production of APIs, especially for antiretrovirals and oncology treatments. The company is known for its emphasis on quality and innovation, catering to both Indian and international markets. The firm specializes in generic formulations, custom synthesis, biotechnology, agrochemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and veterinary APIs. Laurus Labs is dedicated to creating new medications, and prioritizing quality and affordability. This commitment to excellence helps solidify its status as one of the top pharma companies in India, contributing significantly to the industry alongside other top pharma companies in India.
Alembic Pharmaceuticals is one of the oldest top pharma companies in India. The company is renowned for its high-quality API production and generic formulations, especially in the areas of antibacterials and cardiovascular medicines. It produces pharma goods, pharma ingredients, and intermediates and is also known as the market leader in India’s macrolides anti-infective medication category. The company is among the top pharma companies in India and has its name on Forbes’ 2016 list of “India’s Super 50 Businesses 2016”. It had a revenue of Rs 1,509.02 crores in FY 2024.
Piramal Enterprises has diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and financial services. The pharmaceutical division is focused on providing innovative solutions in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Piramal Enterprises ranks among the top pharma companies in India. With a revenue of Rs 1,379.07 crores in FY 2024, it stands as India’s 12th largest pharmaceutical firm. The company’s impressive stature reflects its significant impact on the healthcare industry within the top pharma companies in India.
This multinational firm specializes in medicine, life sciences, and medication development. It operates in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, critical care, consumer goods, phytomedicine, and imaging. As one of the top pharma companies in India, Piramal Enterprises continues to innovate and expand, contributing to the overall growth of the healthcare landscape among the top pharma companies in India.
Natco Pharma is recognized for its significant contributions to the generic pharmaceutical industry. The company focuses on affordable medicines, particularly in oncology and treatments for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. This firm produces agricultural health science products, final dosage formulations, active pharma ingredients, and contract manufacturing services. Oncology, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses are three areas in which the company places a special emphasis.
IPCA Laboratories is a leader in the production of antimalarial drugs and other therapeutic medicines. With a broad portfolio covering multiple therapeutic areas, IPCA continues to make significant strides in both domestic and international markets. These Top Pharma Companies in India have made significant contributions to global healthcare, offering innovative solutions and medicines to address a wide range of medical conditions.
| Company Name | Revenue (₹ Crore) | Headquarters | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Pharma | 94,500 | Mumbai | Generics, Specialty Drugs |
| Dr. Reddy’s | 24,500 | Hyderabad | Generics, APIs |
| Cipla | 23,000 | Mumbai | Respiratory, HIV |
| Lupin | 18,500 | Mumbai | Cardiology, Diabetes |
| Torrent | 12,000 | Ahmedabad | CNS, Cardiovascular |
| Aurobindo | 23,600 | Hyderabad | Generics, APIs, Oncology |
| Zydus Lifesciences | 20,500 | Ahmedabad | Vaccines, Biosimilars, Novel drug formulations |
| Glenmark | 8,600 | Mumbai | Dermatology, Oncology, Respiratory |
| Biocon | 13,000 | Bengaluru | Biosimilars, Novel biologics, Cancer treatments |
| Cadila Healthcare | 19,500 | Ahmedabad | Innovation-driven therapies, Preventive healthcare |
If you’re looking to build a career in the pharmaceutical industry, you’re in luck! The Top Pharma Companies in India offer a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. These companies are known for their growth, innovation, and contribution to healthcare. Below are some notable career opportunities in these leading pharmaceutical companies.
Sun Pharma, as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in India, provides exciting career opportunities, especially for those interested in research and development. The company often hires experts in R&D to help innovate and develop new drugs that can improve lives worldwide.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is another prominent name among the top pharma companies in India, and it is recognized for its focus on producing affordable generics, APIs, and biosimilars.
Cipla is one of the oldest and most trusted pharmaceutical companies in India, known for its focus on respiratory therapies, oncology, and antibiotics. Cipla offers career opportunities in sales, marketing, and drug research.
Visit their official career portals to explore job openings.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is experiencing remarkable growth and transformation. This sector is becoming increasingly significant not only in India but also globally. Here are some key trends shaping the Indian pharmaceutical industry:
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is on a dynamic trajectory with rapid market growth, advancements in biopharmaceuticals, and a strong focus on research and digital transformation. These trends are positioning top pharma companies in India as key contributors to global healthcare solutions.
The top pharma companies in India are playing a vital role in improving healthcare not just in India but across the world. From producing affordable generic drugs to investing in research and innovation, these companies are setting benchmarks for the global pharmaceutical industry. By understanding these companies and their contributions, users can gain valuable insights into the thriving pharmaceutical sector in India.
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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is India’s largest pharma company by revenue (₹48,000+ crores in FY2023).
India’s top 5 pharma companies by market cap (2024):
1. Sun Pharma
2. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
3. Cipla
4. Lupin
5. Divi’s Laboratories
Leading MNCs operating in India:
1. Pfizer
2. Novartis
3. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
4. Abbott
5. Sanofi
Top 10 pharmaceutical companies in India are:
1. Sun Pharma
2. Dr. Reddy’s
3. Cipla
4. Lupin
5. Aurobindo Pharma
6. Torrent Pharma
7. Biocon
8. Zydus Lifesciences
9. Glenmark
10. Alkem Labs
The United States is the No.1 country in the pharma industry, with a global market share of around 45%. The country has many pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and regulatory bodies, contributing to its industry dominance.
Based on its revenue, Pfizer is currently considered the world’s biggest pharmaceutical company. The company produces a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, drugs, and biologics, for various therapeutic areas. However, the rankings may vary based on different parameters, such as market capitalization, research and development expenditure, and the number of drugs in the pipeline.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
