India's pharmaceutical industry ranks 3rd globally. Discover the top 10 companies driving healthcare innovation and supplying medicines to 200+ countries worldwide. ALso Top 10 PCD Pharma Fra
Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in India [2025]
India's pharmaceutical sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the past few years, becoming the third-largest pharmaceutical producer in the world.
India's Pharmaceutical Industry Overview
India's pharmaceutical sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the past few years. One of the major catalysts of this surge has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified the global demand for essential medicines like paracetamol, sanitizers, and other critical care drugs.
Key Industry Statistics
- Earnings rose by approximately 30% in the last two years
- Supplies medicines to over 200 countries
- Turnover stood at ₹1.53 lakh crore in 2019
- Domestic drug market sales reached ₹17,000 crore in April 2021 alone
- Employs over 2–7 million skilled professionals
According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the turnover of Indian pharmaceutical companies stood at ₹1.44 lakh crore in 2018 and ₹1.53 lakh crore in 2019, with domestic drug market sales reaching ₹17,000 crore in April 2021 alone. India is now the third-largest pharmaceutical producer in the world, employing over 2–7 million skilled professionals in R&D and manufacturing.
Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in India
Let's explore the Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in India based on size, impact, global presence, and innovation.
1. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Founded: 1983
Headquarters: Mumbai
Founder: Dilip Shanghvi
Sun Pharma tops the list as India's largest pharmaceutical company. It manufactures and sells pharmaceutical formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in India and globally.
2. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.
Founded: 1986
Headquarters: Hyderabad
Known for its dominance in Semi-Synthetic Penicillin (SSP) and strong international presence, Aurobindo Pharma exports to over 150 countries.
3. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Hyderabad
Dr. Reddy's manufactures a wide range of generic drugs, APIs, and critical care medicines. It is known for forming a significant joint venture in Russia.
4. Cipla Ltd.
Founded: 1935
Headquarters: Mumbai
A pioneer in affordable healthcare, Cipla has a stronghold in respiratory care and antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS.
5. Lupin Ltd.
Founded: 1968
Headquarters: Mumbai
Lupin is renowned for its work in anti-tuberculosis drugs and has significant operations across the U.S., Japan, and India.
6. Cadila Healthcare (Zydus Group)
Founded: 1952
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
Zydus Cadila is known for innovation in diagnostics, herbal products, and skincare, with 1300+ researchers and 19 research facilities. It has a solid presence in the U.S., Latin America, and South Africa.
7. Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Founded: 1984
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
A global leader in biosimilars, Intas has commercialized 13 biosimilars to date and has operations in over 80 countries. Therapeutic areas include oncology, rheumatology, nephrology, and plasma-derived therapies.
8. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Founded: 1977
Headquarters: Mumbai
Specializing in oncology, respiratory, and dermatology, Glenmark has a global presence in 70+ countries. It runs 17 manufacturing facilities worldwide and is a leader in generics.
9. Alkem Laboratories
Founded: 1973
Headquarters: Mumbai
Focused on branded generics, APIs, and nutraceuticals, Alkem operates 21 manufacturing units including two in the U.S. Known for its commitment to affordability and quality, it serves millions globally.
10. Torrent Pharmaceuticals
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
Torrent Pharma has evolved into a global player with 7 international subsidiaries and presence in 40+ countries. Therapeutic strengths include cardiovascular, CNS, diabetes, and gastro care.
Also Notable (Top 30 Pharma Companies in India)
Beyond the top 10, India's pharmaceutical industry includes many other significant players:
Mankind PharmaBioconDivi's LaboratoriesJubilant PharmovaIPCA LabsAlembic PharmaLaurus LabsAbbott IndiaGland PharmaStride PharmaGranules IndiaGlaxo PharmaSanofi IndiaAjanta PharmaWockhardtPfizer IndiaSyngene InternationalAarti DrugsNatco PharmaJB Chemicals & PharmaIOL Chem & Pharma
Top 10 PCD Pharma Franchise Companies in India
These companies offer Propaganda Cum Distribution (PCD) franchise business models:
- Finecure Pharmaceuticals
- Green Cross Remedies
- Innovative Pharmaceuticals
- ZEE Laboratories
- Alobiote Healthcare
- Sentonssa Wellness Pvt. Ltd.
- Intra Lifescience
- Tuttson Pharmaceuticals
- Medico Healthcare
- Elkos Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Top Third-Party Pharma Manufacturing Companies in India
Third-party or contract manufacturing in pharma has become a popular model for cost-effective, scalable business:
- Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- Finebiotics Limited
- Nucleus Formulation Pvt. Ltd.
- Theon Pharmaceuticals
- Sentonssa Wellness Pvt.Ltd.
- Nikol Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
- AAN Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
- Polestar Pharma
- Tirupati Life Sciences
- Trivago Lifescience
- Sefynium Innoveda
- Ronak Lifecare
- Cremom Cosmetics
Why Third-Party Manufacturing?
- Cost-effective and time-saving
- Focus on marketing instead of manufacturing
- Reduced overheads and infrastructure needs
- Access to expertise, better quality control, and scalability
Conclusion
India's pharmaceutical sector continues to rise, offering significant contributions to global healthcare needs. With increasing innovation, export potential, and government support, the top pharma companies in India are shaping the future of medicine, not just nationally but globally.