Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in India: Leaders of Healing

Pharmaceutical companies are integral to advancing public health and enhancing the quality of life through their relentless commitment to research, innovation, and the production of essential medications. 

Lets’s have a look at the top pharmaceutical companies in India, based on their performance on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). These companies are leaders in the Indian pharmaceutical sector, contributing significantly to healthcare advancements both domestically and globally.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, under the leadership of Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi, is India's largest pharmaceutical company and ranks as the sixth-largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer globally. Based in Mumbai, Sun Pharma manufactures and markets pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in over 100 countries worldwide.

Sun Pharma leads the Indian pharmaceutical industry and stands as the fourth-largest speciality generic pharmaceutical company globally. The company's product portfolio spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including psychiatry, anti-infectives, neurology, cardiology, diabetology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, nephrology, urology, dermatology, gynaecology, respiratory, oncology, dental, and nutrition.

In a recent development, Sun Pharmaceutical acquired 100% of Libra Merger Ltd, an Israeli company, further expanding its global presence and capabilities.

Cipla Limited, with MD & CEO Umang Vohra at the helm, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company based in Mumbai. Established in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Ahmeid, Cipla operates in two key segments: Pharmaceuticals and New Ventures. The company focuses on developing medications for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular ailments, arthritis, diabetes, depression, and various other medical conditions.

With 47 manufacturing locations worldwide, Cipla markets its products in 86 countries, ranking as the third-largest drug producer in India. Cipla supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients to other manufacturers and offers a range of pharmaceutical and personal care products, including medications like escitalopram oxalate, lamivudine, and fluticasone propionate. Notably, Cipla is the world's largest manufacturer of antiretroviral drugs.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cipla introduced Gilead Sciences' Remdesivir as CIPREMI in India under a voluntary licensing agreement, following DCGI approval for emergency use in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Divi's Laboratories Limited, led by CEO Dr Kiran Divi and headquartered in Hyderabad, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company specialising in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. The company manufactures and custom synthesises generic APIs and intermediates, and also supplies nutraceutical ingredients through its subsidiary, Divi's Nutraceuticals.

Ranked as India's third-largest publicly listed pharmaceutical company by market capitalisation, Divi's Laboratories is renowned for its expertise in API manufacturing and custom synthesis.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, founded by Kallam Anji Reddy, a former member of Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited. The company manufactures and markets a diverse range of pharmaceuticals globally, producing over 190 medications and 60 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for drug manufacturing, along with diagnostic kits, critical care products, and biotechnology solutions.

Initially serving as a supplier to Indian drug manufacturers, Dr Reddy's soon expanded into exporting to less-regulated markets, which facilitated quicker market entry without extensive regulatory hurdles. By the early 1990s, the company leveraged its success in these markets to focus on gaining approval from stringent drug regulators like the US FDA and European authorities, enabling its entry into regulated markets.

By 2007, Dr Reddy’s had established seven FDA-approved plants for API production in India and seven facilities certified for manufacturing patient-ready medications, including five in India and two in the UK.

In a recent development, Dr Reddy’s Labs acquired MenoLabs from Amyris Inc., enhancing its women’s health and dietary supplements portfolio.

Founded in 1952 by Ramanbhai B. Patel and A. Modi, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, formerly Cadila Healthcare Limited, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Ahmedabad. Specialising in generic drug manufacturing, Zydus Life ranks 100th on the Fortune India 500 list as of 2020.

With twenty-five pharmaceutical production facilities across India, Zydus Cadila develops and manufactures a wide range of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, herbal products, skincare items, and other over-the-counter products. Since late 2015, the company has been producing generic versions of hepatitis C treatment drugs like sofosbuvir (marketed as SoviHep) under a voluntary license agreement with Gilead.

Zydus Life also manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients at four sites in India, including the Ankleshwar, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad plants.

Founded in 1995, Mankind Pharma specialises in various therapeutic areas, offering a range of products, including antibiotics, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, dermal, and treatments for erectile dysfunction. In a commitment to advancing medical solutions, Mankind recently invested £1 million in Actimed Therapeutics, focusing on cancer cachexia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other muscle-wasting conditions.

In 2022, Mankind expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Panacea Biotec Pharma's domestic formulations brands in India and Nepal for ₹1,872 crore (US$230 million). The company also acquired respiratory and infant skincare products from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and acquired a majority stake in Upakarma Ayurveda, specialising in Ayurvedic and herbal products.

Further diversifying its interests, Mankind ventured into agritech and pet care segments in 2022. In April 2023, the company launched its initial public offering (IPO), with existing investors selling shares worth ₹4,326 crore (US$540 million).

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, chaired by Samir Mehta and headquartered in Ahmedabad, is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company within the Torrent Group. Originally known as Trinity Laboratories Ltd. and later rebranded as Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., the company has achieved significant growth through strategic acquisitions and expansions.

Operating in over 40 countries with more than 2,000 product registrations worldwide, Torrent Pharmaceuticals focuses on therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular health, central nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal ailments, diabetology, anti-infectives, and pain management. The company also serves specialised segments such as nephrology, oncology, gynaecology, and paediatrics, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to healthcare solutions.

Lupin Limited, led by CEO Vinita D Gupta, is renowned globally as one of the largest generic pharmaceutical companies and ranks as India’s fifth-largest pharmaceutical company by revenue. Lupin's core focus areas include paediatrics, cardiovascular health, anti-infectives, diabetology, asthma, and anti-tuberculosis medications.

Founded in 1968 by Desh Bandhu Gupta, The company established its first manufacturing facility, producing folic acid and iron tablets for the Indian government's mother and child health program. Lupin later became a significant player in anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, at one point accounting for 36% of global TB drug sales.

In 1988, Gupta founded the Lupin Human Welfare & Research Foundation (LHWRF) as the group's CSR initiative, focusing on sustainable rural development to uplift families below the poverty line. Lupin also played a pivotal role in industry collaborations, joining the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance in 1999 as a founding member.

In 2015, Lupin announced a significant acquisition of Gavis Pharmaceuticals and Novel Laboratories for $880 million, expanding its global footprint. The passing of founder Desh Bandhu Gupta in 2017 led to his wife, Manju Deshbandhu Gupta, taking over as chairman.

Aurobindo Pharma Limited, led by CEO Dr. Sanjay Chaturvedi, is a prominent Indian multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing company headquartered in HITEC City, Hyderabad, India. The company specialises in the production of generic pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with a focus on six major therapeutic areas: antibiotics, antiretrovirals, cardiovascular products, central nervous system products, gastroenterological, and anti-allergics. Aurobindo Pharma markets its products in over 125 countries, collaborating with renowned partners such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Founded in 1986 by Penaka Venkata Ramprasad Reddy and Kambam Nithyananda Reddy, Aurobindo Pharma has emerged as one of India's leading pharmaceutical companies. Noteworthy achievements include a recent USFDA approval for its subsidiary's Posaconazole Injection, a significant milestone in preventing severe fungal infections.

Alkem Laboratories Limited, headed by CEO Dr. Vikas Gupta, is a leading Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai. Specialising in pharmaceutical generics, formulations, and nutraceuticals, Alkem operates globally while maintaining a strong presence in the Indian market.

Established in 2003, Alkem's research and development facility at Taloja focuses on developing Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs). Notably, in 2006, Alkem's anti-infective drug Taxim achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1,000 million in domestic sales, a first in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, Clavam, another Alkem product, exceeded the 2,000 million mark in domestic sales in 2014.

In 2007, Alkem filed its first ANDA for Amlodipine, receiving approval in 2009. The company boasts a portfolio of 705 branded generic drugs, with 13 brands among India's top 300 for fiscal year 2015. Alkem operates 21 manufacturing facilities—19 in India and 2 in the US—five of which are approved by the US FDA, TGA, and UK MHRA, reflecting the company's commitment to quality and global standards.