Ranbaxy is India's biggest pharma firm29

Ranbaxy is India's biggest pharma firm

29 Jul, 2008, 0645 hrs IST, RUPALI MUKHERJEE,TNN

Ranbaxy has emerged as the leader in the domestic pharmaceutical retail market, with a share of 5.2% for the April to June quarter. It also maintained the top slot in each of the past three months, with a share of 5% in June, higher than the last year's market leader Cipla's share of 4.9% during the same month.

During the April to June quarter, Cipla occupied the second slot with a share of 5.1%, growing by 9%. While Ranbaxy registered the highest growth of over 18% during the quarter, while in June alone, it had a growth of over 15%. Overall the pharma market valued at nearly Rs 33,000 crore, slowed down in terms of growth at 6.2% in June, as against 7.5% growth in the previous month, according to ORG-IMS. The highly-competitive market witnessed a growth of nearly 9% during the quarter ended June.

One of the major growth drivers during the second quarter was the sale of anti-infective drugs, which registered a huge spurt due to the "freak' ' weather conditionsa short winter and an early onset of rains in the north. The primary growth drivers for anti-infectives were semi-synthetic penicillins (such as ampicillin, amoxycillin), quinolones and high-end injectables. "A shorter winter season coupled with an increase in the incidence of viral infections where anti-infectives are given led to the boost in the growth of these segments, and for Ranbaxy,'' a company official said. Companies, which have a strong portfolio of anti-infectives got a leg-up in sales during the period, industry experts say.

The third slot in June was occupied by GlaxoSmithKline with a share of 4.59% of the market, followed by Piramal Healthcare (Nicholas Piramal) at 3.78% and Zydus Cadila at the fifth position with 3.59% share. While GSK grew by a meagre 2.5%, drug major Piramal Healthcare by a huge 14%, presumably on the back of its strongest brands, Phensedyl Cough syrup during the month. However, Zydus Cadila had a de-growth of 0.6% during the month. During the quarter, GSK slumped slightly by 0.6%, while Piramal Healthcare grew by 4% and Zydus by a meagre 0.4%, according to figures by ORG-IMS.

Source: Times of India, ET