Mumbai-based pharmaceutical major Cipla is set to enter India’s growing weight management market as part of its broader strategy to expand across emerging therapeutic segments.

The company’s Managing Director and Global CEO, Umang Vohra, revealed the plans in his address to shareholders in Cipla’s Annual Report for 2024–25.

 “We are strengthening our play across emerging segments like skin, hair, weight management, gut health through both organic and inorganic routes,” Vohra stated, noting that obesity has become a key priority area for the company.

“With a clear strategic intent, we are preparing to enter the weight management segment in India, aiming to address the rising demand for effective obesity solutions,” he added.

Cipla is also deepening its focus on oncology, targeting cancers prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. The recent FDA approval of Nilotinib capsules for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia is expected to bolster the company’s oncology portfolio significantly.

Another area of strategic focus is the central nervous system (CNS) therapeutic category.

 “In the area of neurological and movement disorders, we are significantly strengthening our presence in the CNS therapeutic area,” Vohra said.

He highlighted the successful in-licensing of Sanofi’s CNS product range in India, which includes Frisium, a leading anti-epileptic brand. Cipla plans to pursue similar deals or acquisitions in niche areas such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease.

As Cipla celebrates its 90th year, the company reaffirmed its commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

 “Our AMR portfolio is evolving from volume-based to innovation-led, with four novel products in development,” said Vohra.  

The company’s notable launches in FY 2024–25 included Cefepime-Enmetazobactam and Plazomicin (Zemdri) in India.  

Cipla is also scaling up its consumer healthcare strategy by developing large wellness brands, including pain recovery, nicotine replacement therapy, cough and cold, antiseptic creams, oral rehydration salts, and weight gainers.   

 “We will continue to invest in big brands, strategic alliances, digital infrastructure, and next-generation therapies, while remaining rooted in our founding values of care and compassion,” Vohra affirmed.

The financial year 2024–25 marked a defining period for Cipla, with revenue surpassing INR 11,000 crore and recording a year-on-year growth of 7 percent. The performance was driven by steady growth across its branded prescription business, trade generics, and Cipla Health Ltd (CHL), according to Vohra.

Established in 1935, Cipla is today India’s third-largest pharmaceutical company. With 46 manufacturing sites globally, it produces more than 1,500 products across 50 dosage forms and serves 74 markets using advanced technology platforms.