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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.
India is often called the “pharmacy of the world” due to its large production capacity and affordability of medicines. Here are some reasons for its global dominance:
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.
Sun Pharma frequently updates its career portal with job openings across various departments. Check their official website for current openings.
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. Cipla’s generic drugs are used to treat various conditions, including respiratory disorders, diabetes, weight loss, and other ailments. The firm operates through three primary business divisions: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Respiratory, and Cipla Global Accessible.
Cipla has earned respect and recognition in both domestic and international markets for the high quality of its products. Among its well-known offerings are Asthalin, Erlonat, and Taxim. As one of the top Pharma Companies in India, Cipla continues to uphold its reputation for excellence and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
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 offers a diverse range of products across various therapeutic categories, including cardiology, psychiatry, neurology, gastrointestinal, nephrology, ophthalmology, oncology, pain management, and dermatology. This extensive portfolio demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing multiple health needs.
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. The company operates in key markets, including Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan, the United States, and India, highlighting its global reach. As one of the top pharma companies in India, Lupin continues to innovate and expand, solidifying its position in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape among the 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. 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.
Aurobindo Pharma has established itself as a key player in the industry, contributing significantly to healthcare. As of October 2022, the company’s market capitalization stood at Rs 1,02,526 crore, reflecting its strong position among the top pharma companies in India. Its commitment to quality and innovation continues to reinforce its status as one of the top pharma companies in India.
Zydus Cadila, formerly Cadila Healthcare Ltd., was founded by Ramanbhai Patel in 1952. It is among the oldest companies in the Indian pharma industry. 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.
Over 3,500 products of the firm are there in the market. The firm focuses mainly on its R&D It is also among the few Indian pharma firms with USFDA approval for producing generic drugs. The firm has over 30 production plants worldwide, including Brazil, India, and the United States. Among the popular goods produced by the firm are the cholesterol-reducing drug Atorvastatin, injection Gleevac, and many others. The firm had a value of Rs 1,29,345 crore as of October 2022.
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.
Being listed among the top pharma companies in India, it provides a vast line of products. These include drugs for pain management, diabetes, cancer, etc. The firm does R&D to find new drugs in addition to its primary business of producing and selling drugs.
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.
Using advanced Pichia pastoris yeast expression technology, Biocon became the first company globally to commercialize recombinant human insulin (rh-insulin), branded as Insugen®. This innovative achievement underscores Biocon’s position among the top pharma companies in India. In FY 2024, the firm reported a revenue of Rs 1,738.20 crores, further solidifying its impact in the pharmaceutical industry and showcasing its commitment to healthcare advancements among the top pharma companies in India.
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.
Namita Thapar, known for her appearances on Shark Tank India, serves as the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings. As one of the top pharma companies in India, Emcure is committed to enhancing healthcare through high-quality medications and solutions. This dedication to excellence helps reinforce its status among the leading pharmaceutical firms in the country and globally, showcasing the talent and potential within the sector.
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.
This firm reported a revenue of Rs 18,416 crores in 2022, highlighting its strong position in the pharmaceutical market. The R&D division of this company is dedicated to developing innovative drugs based on plasma-derived products. These advancements target chronic conditions such as oncology (cancer), rheumatic diseases, auto-immune disorders, nephrology, and ophthalmology.
By focusing on these critical areas, the company aims to improve treatment options and patient outcomes. 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. This dedication not only enhances its product offerings but also reinforces its reputation among the leading pharmaceutical firms in the country.
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.
As one of the top pharma companies in India, it continues to prioritize patient care and affordability, reinforcing its reputation as a leading player in the industry. This dedication to serving communities sets Mankind Pharma apart among the top pharma companies in India.
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.
IPCA Laboratories development, production, and marketing of a broad line of pharma goods are all activities done by IPCA Laboratories. It is a fully integrated pharma firm. The company’s product line is very diverse. It includes medicines for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and anti-malarial conditions. The company sells its goods in over 100 countries.
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. Positions are also available in manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Sun Pharma is known for providing a dynamic work environment where employees can grow and contribute to cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
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. The company frequently recruits for roles in manufacturing and quality control. Positions in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and sales are also available. If you’re passionate about improving healthcare access, Dr. Reddy’s offers a chance to work with world-class professionals in the pharmaceutical field.
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. Whether you’re interested in helping market life-saving drugs, researching new treatments, or managing sales operations, Cipla provides a platform for career growth and development in various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry.
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.
Seeking guidance on a specific aspect of business or broadening your understanding of the entire ecosystem, check out our Business section
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.
Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Vadodara) and Telangana (Hyderabad) dominate, hosting ~30% of India’s pharma manufacturing. Maharashtra (Mumbai) is also a major hub.
Top pharma companies in India offer diverse career opportunities in research and development (R&D), quality control, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, marketing, and sales. Professionals with backgrounds in pharmacy, biotechnology, and life sciences are often in demand in these companies.
FY2024 revenue leaders:
1. Sun Pharma: ₹48,000+ cr
2. Aurobindo Pharma: ₹24,000+ cr
3. Dr. Reddy’s: ₹23,000+ cr
4. Cipla: ₹21,000+ cr
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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.