Synopsis: Five leading Indian pharma companies, including Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Cipla, Glenmark and Zydus, are emerging as key players in cancer treatment through oncology generics, biosimilars, and advanced immunotherapy solutions.
With cancer incidence rising globally, several Indian pharmaceutical companies are strengthening their presence in oncology. Stocks such as Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Cipla, Glenmark, and Zydus Life Sciences are playing a crucial role by offering affordable cancer drugs, biosimilars, and innovative immunotherapy solutions, positioning India as a major hub for global cancer treatment.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd is engaged in the business of manufacturing, developing and marketing a wide range of branded and generic formulations and Active Pharma Ingredients (APIs). The company and its subsidiaries have various manufacturing facilities spread across the world, with trading and other incidental and related activities extending to the global market. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India.
With the market cap of Rs 3,91,656 crore, the shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd closed at Rs 1,632 and are trading at a PE of 34, whereas its industry PE is at 29.3
Sun Pharma is India’s largest pharmaceutical company and one of the most significant players in the global oncology generics and speciality drugs market. The company has a strong presence in injectables, oral solids, and complex formulations used in cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care drugs. Sun also operates a dedicated oncology subsidiary, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC), which focuses on developing novel therapies in oncology and dermatology.
Strategically, Sun Pharma is moving beyond generics into speciality oncology, especially in the US and emerging markets. Its investments in biologics, complex injectables, and differentiated cancer products position it well to benefit from the growing demand for affordable cancer treatment worldwide, making oncology a key long-term growth driver.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd is a leading India-based pharmaceutical company which offers a portfolio of products and services, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Custom Pharmaceutical Services (CPS), generics, biosimilars and differentiated formulations.
With the market cap of Rs 1,03,269 crore, the shares of Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd closed at Rs 1,237 and are trading at a PE of 18.5, whereas its industry PE is at 29.3
Dr Reddy’s has built a strong footprint in oncology generics and biosimilars, supplying affordable cancer medicines across the US, Europe, India, and emerging markets. The company’s oncology portfolio includes chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapies, and targeted treatments, with a focus on complex generics and injectables.
In recent years, Dr Reddy’s has increasingly invested in biosimilars and complex oncology products, aiming to move up the value chain. Its strategy is centred on high-margin speciality generics and differentiated cancer therapies, which allows it to compete globally while addressing the rising burden of cancer through cost-effective treatment options.
Cipla
Cipla is engaged in the business of pharmaceuticals and is among the top pharma companies in the world, with its operations in several countries. With the market cap of Rs 1,06,933 crore, the shares of Cipla Ltd closed at Rs 1,324 and are trading at a PE of 19.6, whereas its industry PE is at 29.3
Cipla is one of India’s most well-known pharmaceutical brands and has a strong presence in oncology formulations and respiratory-oncology supportive care. The company provides a wide range of chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, primarily focused on affordability in India and emerging markets.
Cipla’s oncology strategy emphasises patient access and price leadership, especially in developing countries. While it is not heavily focused on novel cancer drug discovery, its strength lies in scaling proven oncology treatments at low cost, making it a key player in democratising cancer care.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a global research-led pharmaceutical company with a presence across generics, speciality and OTC businesses with operations in several countries. With the market cap of Rs 55,706 crore, the shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd closed at Rs 1,974 and are trading at a PE of 22.2, whereas its industry PE is at 29.3.
Glenmark has a diversified pharmaceutical presence with a strong emphasis on innovative oncology research through Glenmark Life Sciences and its R&D arm. The company works on small molecules, immuno-oncology, and targeted therapies, including both generics and novel drug development.
What differentiates Glenmark is its focus on new chemical entities (NCEs) in oncology, aiming to create first-in-class or best-in-class cancer drugs. While this involves higher R&D risk, it also gives Glenmark exposure to high-value, patent-protected oncology assets.
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd
Zydus Life Sciences is an innovation-led global pharmaceutical company engaged in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of branded generics, vaccines, biosimilars, and speciality products and has a strong presence across India, the US, and emerging markets, with a focus on research-driven healthcare solutions. The company is also expanding into advanced biologics and immuno-oncology therapies to drive future growth.
With the market cap of Rs 89,052 crore, the shares of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd closed at Rs 885 and are trading at a PE of 17.7, whereas its industry PE is at 29.3. Zydus is an innovation-led pharmaceutical company with a growing footprint in biologics and immuno-oncology. It recently launched the world’s first biosimilar of Nivolumab, a key immune checkpoint inhibitor used in treating multiple cancers, marking a major milestone in cancer therapy.
Zydus’s oncology strategy is shifting towards advanced biologics, biosimilars, and novel immunotherapies, moving beyond traditional generics. This places the company in the high-value segment of cancer treatment, with strong potential for global expansion and long-term revenue growth.
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