Strides Pharma Announced Expansion in African Markets with Sandoz Deal

Indian 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.

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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.