| |MARCH 20269RISING COSTS PUSH INDIAN PHARMA MSMES TO SEEK INPUT PRICE CAPSSTRIDES PHARMA ANNOUNCED EXPANSION IN AFRICAN MARKETS WITH SANDOZ DEALIndian pharmaceutical manufacturers are seeking input price caps as rising costs put pressure on smaller players across the sector.The push for input price caps reflects growing concern among Indian pharma MSMEs struggling to manage steep increases in production expenses while drug prices remain tightly regulated.Industry stakeholders say the cost of key raw materials, including active pharmaceutical ingredients, solvents, and packaging, has surged sharply, in some cases by 200­300 percent. These increases are linked to global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and higher transportation costs. For smaller pharma firms, which operate on thin margins, this spike is becoming unsustainable.Manufacturers have urged the government to intervene by capping prices of essential inputs and setting up a dedicated task force to monitor supply and pricing issues. They warn that without timely support, many small units may be forced to cut production or shut down operations altogether.The situation is further strained by limited flexibility in drug pricing. Annual price revisions for many medicines remain minimal, preventing companies from passing on rising costs to consumers. This gap between escalating input costs and controlled medicine prices is intensifying financial stress across the sector.Experts caution that continued pressure could disrupt the supply of essential medicines and accelerate industry consolidation, leaving smaller players at risk. The demand for input price caps underscores the urgent need to balance affordability with the sustainability of India's pharmaceutical ecosystem. POIndian pharma major Strides Pharma Science announced expansion in African markets by acquiring a portfolio of branded generic medicines from Sandoz AG. The move is aimed at increasing its presence across key Sub-Saharan African markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and neighboring regions.The acquisition involves an upfront payment of USD 12 million along with future royalties and will be executed through Strides' step-down subsidiary. The portfolio includes established branded generics in Africa across anti-infectives, cardiovascular, and dermatology, many of which already generate over USD 1 million annually. This gives Strides immediate scale and a foothold in high-growth markets.The company's Strides Pharma Africa expansion strategy focuses on leveraging well-known brands and existing distribution networks to increase reach among doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals. The deal also ensures continuity, as some products will be fully acquired while others will continue to be supplied by Sandoz, reducing operational risk.After completion, Strides aims to rank among the top five pharmaceutical companies in Sub-Saharan Africa and be among the top two in its core markets. The acquisition is expected to close by September 2026, pending regulatory approvals.This move underscores the rising demand for affordable, trusted medicines and positions Strides Pharma to capitalize on Africa's pharma market growth, making it a key player in one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical regions globally. PO
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