For the first time, Sun Pharma secured the top position by doctor prescriptions, toppling long-standing Mankind Pharma, according to market research firm SMSRC (moving annual total for August 2022).
“We continue to outperform the average industry growth, which has led to an increase in our overall market share. Though Sun Pharma is a specialty company with limited coverage among GPs, we have now become number one in terms of prescription share. Sun has a leadership position in a dozen therapies,” the company’s CEO (India business), Kirti Ganorkar, told TOI.
Prescription audit tracks the company’s performance in terms of the quantity of medicinesprescribed by specialist doctors and general physicians (GPs).
“With an over 12,000strong field force, the company is increasing penetration in the metros, tier-2 and -3 towns. The decluttering of the portfolio and focus on core therapies including cardiovascular, diabetes, neuro and gastroenterology has helped the company in increasing both volume and value play,” he added.
The company’s growth drivers include an increase in sales manpower, launch of high-margin differentiated products, and a de-cluttering of portfolio. Both the major geographies — India and the US — are growing at a steady clip and contribute about 30% each to overall revenue.
Further, the companyplans to grow the pipeline of new and differentiated products, targeted for India and overseas markets, going forward. Sun launches 35-40 new products and line extensions every year, he said.
Under the differentiated portfolio, the company plans to scale up new drug delivery system products and innovative products, where there is an “unmet patient” need. Over the last few years, it launched differentiated products including: Pemetrexed 0. 9% sodium chloride injection RTU (ready to use) bags for oncology,and long-acting Chericof 12 (cough syrup).
The company’s sales have grown at a CAGR of 21% to Rs 38,430 crore, and the adjusted net profit at 16% to Rs 7,670 crore, over a five year period (2017-2022).
