Cipla To Enter India's Weight Management Market Amid Rising Demand

Pharma major Cipla is preparing to enter India's weight management space as a part of its strategy to leverage emerging healthcare opportunities and niche therapy opportunities. Managing Director and Global CEO Umang Vohra announced this in the firm's FY 2024-25 Annual Report.

"Obesity is also a focus area for Cipla. With a sharp strategic vision, we are getting ready to mark our entry into the weight management space in India and counter the growing need for effective obesity management solutions," Vohra said.

The step comes in the face of increasing competition from overseas drug makers. American pharma company Eli Lilly has already introduced its anti-obesity medicine Mounjaro in India. In contrast, Danish company Novo Nordisk has launched Wegovy for long-term weight management and the reduction of cardiovascular risk.

In addition to weight management, Cipla is expanding its footprint in the central nervous system (CNS) therapy segment. The company has successfully in-licensed Sanofi’s CNS portfolio in India, including Frisium, a leading anti-epileptic brand.

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"Cashing in on this momentum, we expect to make similar in-licensing arrangements or acquisitions in off-season indications such as ADHD and Parkinson's disease," Vohra said.

Cipla is also advancing its efforts to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The AMR pipeline of the company is shifting from volume-driven products to innovation-driven products, and there are four new medicines in the development pipeline.

Vohra reaffirmed Cipla's larger vision of being a global, innovation-driven, patient-focused healthcare corporation. He specifically spoke about ongoing investment in major brands, strategic alliances, digital strength, and future-generation medicines, all on the principles of care, science, and sustainability.