Pharmaceutical

Quick-commerce startup Zepto has entered India’s highly competitive online pharmacy space, unveiling a bold promise to deliver essential medicines within 10 minutes. This strategic diversification marks a pivotal step in Zepto’s broader ambition to dominate last-mile delivery by expanding beyond groceries into essential healthcare. With this move, the Mumbai-based firm aims to challenge established players in the e-pharma sector by leveraging its existing hyperlocal infrastructure and tech-enabled logistics.

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. reported a 12% rise in net profit for the first quarter of FY2025, underpinned by resilient demand for key prescription brands and meticulous cost management. Revenue grew modestly amid stable therapeutic demand, particularly in respiratory and dermatology segments. The company's focus on operational efficiency, digital outreach, and expansion into smaller markets helped mitigate industry-wide pricing and regulatory pressures. Flagship brands like Augmentin and Calpol continued to anchor growth, while leaner cost structures bolstered margins.

Mankind Pharma reported a 17% year-on-year decline in net profit for the first quarter, even as revenue edged upward, reflecting a complex interplay between rising input costs and strategic expansion initiatives. While the company managed to increase its total income from operations, profit margins came under pressure due to elevated raw material costs, marketing spend, and international business scaling. Despite the dip in quarterly earnings, Mankind Pharma remains optimistic about long-term prospects, driven by a broad portfolio in domestic and export markets.

Strides Pharma Science Ltd. posted a robust 81% year-on-year jump in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) for the first quarter of FY26, reaching Rs. 114 crore. The growth was powered by sustained momentum in the U.S. generics business, improved operational efficiencies, and a healthier product mix. Revenues rose 9% to Rs. 1,136 crore, while the company’s core earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose by 27%.

Cipla Ltd reported a resilient performance for the first quarter of FY26, posting a 10% year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit, which rose to Rs. 1,298 crore. This growth was supported by strong demand across domestic and North American markets, coupled with disciplined cost management. Total revenue from operations advanced to Rs. 6,479 crore, reflecting the company’s steady momentum in branded generics and specialty drug segments.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories reported a modest 1% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit for the first quarter, reaching Rs. 1,410 crore. The pharmaceutical major saw its revenue grow by 10% during the same period, driven largely by its North America and emerging markets operations. Despite pricing pressure and regulatory headwinds in key geographies, the company maintained operational resilience through strategic launches and sustained product momentum. With a diversified global footprint and a focus on innovation, Dr.

Indian pharmaceutical major Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has received critical observations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) following an inspection of its Baddi facility in Himachal Pradesh. The US regulator, after a routine audit, identified multiple lapses in the plant’s manufacturing practices, issuing a Form 483 with seven key observations. While the company has yet to receive any import restrictions or warning letters, the findings underscore the growing scrutiny faced by Indian drugmakers exporting to the United States.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire JB Chemicals in a landmark deal worth Rs. 19,500 crore, marking one of the largest acquisitions in India’s pharmaceutical industry. This strategic move not only strengthens Torrent’s position in the domestic branded generics market but also enhances its global footprint, particularly in regulated markets. The acquisition brings together two complementary portfolios, promising strong synergies across therapeutic areas and geographies.

Shares of Sigachi Industries Ltd suffered a sharp decline exceeding 11% after a catastrophic explosion at its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Telangana resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injured 34 others. The incident, which occurred in the company’s reactor unit within the Pashamylaram industrial estate, is believed to have been caused by a chemical reaction that triggered a fire. This tragedy not only raises serious safety concerns but also significantly impacted investor confidence, as reflected in the steep stock price fall on both the BSE and NSE.