India Pharma Outlook Team | Friday, 16 October 2026
India’s pharmaceutical sector is seeing activity across cancer research, manufacturing compliance, branded specialty medicines and public-health partnerships.
Mankind Pharma plans to enter advanced cell therapies through Belgian biotech ACTx, while Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories reported US FDA observations at an injectable-drug facility in Andhra Pradesh. Aurobindo Pharma has launched a branded dermatology treatment in the United States, reflecting interest in specialty products.
Novo Nordisk has reiterated support for India’s 2047 sickle cell disease elimination goal, highlighting diagnosis, awareness and access to care.
Here’s a look at today’s biggest pharma stories.
Mankind Pharma will acquire 70% of Belgium-based Armed Cell Therapeutics (ACTx) for €48 million (about Rs 511 crore), entering next-generation cancer cell therapy. The deal, routed through its Netherlands subsidiary, remains subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
ACTx is developing armed CAR-T treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small cell lung cancer, while exploring in vivo approaches. Mankind also approved additional funding for its subsidiary, signaling a broader push into research-led, specialized medicines.
Acquisition consideration: €48 million, approximately Rs 511 crore.
ACTx is developing advanced CAR-T cancer treatments.
Mankind approved further investment in its Netherlands subsidiary.
“Innovation will be one of the defining growth engines for Mankind over the coming decades” — Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories said its FTO-9 formulations plant in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, received three observations in a US Food and Drug Administration Form 483 following a pre-approval inspection conducted on October 8–9.
The company did not disclose the observations’ details or potential financial impact, but said it would address them within the stipulated timeline. The facility manufactures injectable medicines for therapeutic categories and markets, including the United States and Europe.
The US FDA issued three Form 483 observations.
The inspection took place on October 8–9.
The company intends to respond within the stipulated timeline.
Aurobindo Pharma has entered the US dermatology market with ADQUEY (difamilast 1%), a topical treatment for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, launched through subsidiary Acrotech Biopharma.
The move signals a shift beyond conventional generics towards branded specialty medicines, where differentiated products may offer stronger margins. Aurobindo is also evaluating further opportunities across dermatology and respiratory care, including products.
ADQUEY contains difamilast 1% ointment.
The product targets mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
Aurobindo is exploring further specialty opportunities in dermatology and respiratory care.
Novo Nordisk supports India’s goal of eliminating sickle cell disease by 2047, stressing early diagnosis, awareness, healthcare infrastructure and treatment access. Senior Vice President Habib Bennaceur said India carries a significant share of the global burden.
The company supports diagnosis and awareness initiatives and is developing potential therapies; its most advanced candidate has reportedly reached Phase 3. Novo Nordisk India said it is working with regulators to make treatment available.
India’s National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission targets 2047.
Novo Nordisk supports diagnosis and awareness initiatives.
The company is engaging with Indian regulators on treatment availability.
“Committed to support India's mission to eliminate Sickle cell disease” — Habib Bennaceur, Senior Vice President, Specialty Care, Novo Nordisk
.jpg)
