Novartis Bets Rs 1,250 Crore on Pfizer's Minipress Brand in India

Novartis India has approved a Rs 1,250 crore deal to acquire Pfizer's Minipress and Minipress trademarks in India. The deal also includes certain related intellectual property rights.

The company’s board approved the transaction on September 7, 2026. Novartis India also signed an asset purchase agreement with Pfizer Inc. and Pfizer Products Inc.

The deal gives Novartis control of an established brand used in hypertension treatment and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What is included in the Rs 1,250 crore deal?

The transaction covers the Minipress and Minipress trademarks registered in India. It also includes certain related intellectual property rights.

The total consideration payable by Novartis India is approximately Rs 1,250 crore. The company said the transaction is not a related-party transaction.

The key details include:

• Novartis India will acquire the Minipress and Minipres trademarks.
• The deal includes related intellectual property rights in India.
• Pfizer Inc. USA and Pfizer Products Inc. USA are the sellers.
• The total transaction value is about Rs 1,250 crore.
• Signing and closing of the transaction will take place simultaneously.

Pfizer has also stopped marketing, distributing and selling Minipress XL in India from September 7.

Also Read: How Can India Pharma Bridge the Gap Between Innovation and Access

Minipress XL brings Rs 228.6 crore in revenue

The deal comes as the brand continues to generate significant sales in India. According to IQVIA MAT July 2026 data, Minipress XL recorded revenue of Rs 228.6 crore. The product grew at a 6.3 percent compound annual growth rate over four years.

However, the broader category grew faster during the same period. It recorded a 9 percent CAGR over four years.  Minipress XL contains prazosin. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure and urinary symptoms linked to BPH.

Why the acquisition matters

The acquisition gives Novartis India access to an established pharmaceutical brand with an existing customer base. It also adds a revenue-generating product to the company's portfolio. The Rs 228.6 crore annual revenue highlights the commercial value of the brand.

For Pfizer, the transaction marks an exit from the marketing and sale of Minipress XL in India. For Novartis, it creates an opportunity to take control of an established medicine brand. The transaction also highlights continued activity around established pharmaceutical brands in India's healthcare market.