Indian Pharma sector has made rapid strides in both global and domestic market. But the growth pangs were severe for domestic players eyeing greater share of global pie. The slow down in generic approvals by USFDA, the payment problems witnessed in a few developing markets since the quarter ended December 2008 and accelerated genericisation and intense compe...more

Indian Pharma sector has made rapid strides in both global and domestic market. But the growth pangs were severe for domestic players eyeing greater share of global pie. The slow down in generic approvals by USFDA, the payment problems witnessed in a few developing markets since the quarter ended December 2008 and accelerated genericisation and intense competition together meant slower growth in global revenues for the domestic players. But despite challenging environment, the domestic players continued their consolidation mode and are getting ready for increased CRAMS business from the global majors. Attracted by enticing business model of the domestic pharma companies, some global players have acquired Indian pharma companies including Ranbaxy Laboratories, Matrix Laboratories etc. Simultaneously, we also witnessed global majors like Pfizer entering deal with domestic players like Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Lifesciences (unlisted) for marketing their generics in the advanced markets. Likewise, we are also witnessing increase in buy back / open offer for share holders of associates / subsidiaries of the MNC pharma companies. So, the pharma sector is in thick of action. With availability of skilled labour at low cost, India has become favorable destination for most of Multinational companies to manufacture their products and to develop new molecules. Consolidation has started in the Global Pharmaceutical industry with some mega merger proposals like Pfizer acquiring Wyeth, Merck & Co –Plough deal followed by Roche-Genetech deal etc. With many blockbuster drugs about to expire in the next 3-5 years and at the same time fall in the research pipeline has become major concern for the all MNC players. To maintain bottom-line, the top MNC companies are looking towards buying the generic players or partnership with generic player to market generic drugs in advanced markets. With huge cash in hand and attractive valuation, MNCs are also acquiring the majority stake in its emerging market subsidiaries in regular, India in particular. The MNC companies Novartis, Pfizer and Merck came with buy back proposal to acquire stake in their Indian Subsidiary.  hide