Heavy pollution across several parts of the country also contributed to increased sales of respiratory medications, particularly Foracort, used for asthma and related conditions.
Foracort emerged as the top-selling drug for the month, recording sales of Rs 82 crore with a 2% growth. Antibiotic Augmentin secured the second spot with Rs 76 crore in sales and a 9% growth, while antidiabetic drug Glycomet GP ranked third with flat sales of Rs 69 crore.
Among therapeutic categories, urology led the growth at 18%, followed by derma (16%), cardiac (13%), and pain-relief (13%) segments. Pain-relief medication Zerodol SP saw a remarkable 22% growth, while other high-performing drugs like Ryzodeg, Rosuvas, Cilacar, Rybelsus, and Duphalac posted over 20% month-on-month growth, as per the TOI report.
Sun Pharma maintained its leadership in the market with an 8% share of the Rs 2.28 lakh crore retail pharma sector. Cipla and Dr. Reddy’s also saw their market shares rise in November.
Both acute therapies, such as painkillers and anti-infectives, and chronic medications for long-term conditions recorded 11% growth. Analysts noted a rebound in anti-infectives, driven by key molecules like amoxicillin+clavulanic acid and ceftriaxone. Growth in gastro-intestinal and respiratory therapies was supported by combinations such as pantoprazole+domperidone and formoterol+budesonide, respectively. Domestic pharma companies registered a growth of nearly 11%, slightly outpacing MNCs, which grew just over 10%. Looking ahead, analysts predict the market will grow at high single digits in 2025, primarily driven by price increases and new product launches. The industry is also preparing for a major development as Indian companies are expected to enter the GLP-1 drug space in 2025. Generic versions of liraglutide, a drug that helps manage blood sugar and weight, are anticipated. Globally, GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes have been successful for companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, and their launch in India is expected to further stimulate the market, said the TOI report.
(With inputs from TOI)
