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