Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. – Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by BFSLTeam BFSLTeam

As one of the largest pharmaceutical giants globally and standing as the largest in India, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. commands a crucial role in worldwide healthcare. Often referred to as Sun Pharma, the company is renowned for consistently providing a broad range of high-quality, affordable medicines. This commitment not only helps the nation’s economy but also enhances the health and quality of life for countless individuals worldwide. With a focus on sustained growth and expansion, Sun Pharma continues to grow, aspiring to widen its reach and constantly showcasing its dedication to outstanding healthcare.

This comprehensive blog will help you understand its evolutionary journey, its growth over time, and its contribution to enhancing global healthcare standards.

About Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Feature	Details
Founder	Dilip Shanghvi
Industry Type	Pharmaceuticals
Founded	1983
Headquarters	Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key People	Dilip Shanghvi (Managing Director)
Number of Countries Present In	Over 100
Total Employees	38,000+ Across the Globe
Market Cap	₹2.73 trillion

Overview of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Sun Pharma caters to diverse healthcare needs across six continents including Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, South America, and Australia. An impressive 68% of the company’s total turnover stems from its extensive export operations. Sun Pharma is the world’s fourth-largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company, generating global revenues of over US$ 5.1 billion. The company operates more than 40 manufacturing facilities across the globe, highlighting its dedication to ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of medications to numerous individuals worldwide.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. History

1983: The inception of Sun Pharma occurred this year with an initial focus on psychiatry products. With just five products and a two-person marketing team, the company laid the foundation in Vapi, Gujarat, India, setting up its first manufacturing facility for tablets and capsules.

1988: Launched its first cardiology products, Monotrate, and Angize. This expansion helped the company to diversify its product range and make a meaningful impact in another crucial area of healthcare, establishing a footprint in the cardiology segment.

1991: Established its first research centre.

1994: Sun Pharma made its Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking its entry into the public financial markets. 

1995: The commencement of production at the API manufacturing plant in Panoli, Gujarat, India, signalled another important phase for Sun Pharma. 

1996: Sun Pharma’s reach extended across 24 countries, showcasing its growing global presence. 

1997: This year, Sun Pharma invested in equity stakes in TDPL and MJ Pharma and made its first international acquisition with Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories in the USA.

2000: The acquisition of Pradeep Drug Company in India contributed to enhancing Sun Pharma’s product portfolio.

2004: Sun Pharma commissioned the first joint venture manufacturing unit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and acquired Phlox Pharma in India and niche brands from Women’s First Healthcare in the USA.

2005: Sun Pharma completed the buyout of a manufacturing unit in Bryan, Ohio, USA, and acquired ICN’s business in Hungary from Valeant Pharma, continuing its global expansion and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.

2010: Gained control of a significant stake in Taro Pharmaceuticals, which is based in Israel and headquartered in the USA, leading to doubling of the company’s business in the United States.

2012: Acquired Dusa Pharmaceuticals and the generic business of URL Pharmaceuticals in the USA.

2014: Bought Ranbaxy for US$ 4 billion. This big deal made it the world’s fifth-largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company. They also bought another company in the USA called Pharmalucence, making their business even bigger.

2015: Acquired GSK’s Opiates business in Australia

2016: Acquired 14 brands from Novartis in Japan, Ocular Technologies, Sarl, and Biosintez to expand its presence in various international markets and launched the first branded ophthalmic product, BromSite™, in the USA.

2017: Launched the specialty product, Odomzo in the USA.

2019: Launched specialty product Cequa in the United States for dry eye treatment

2021: Sun Pharma entered the nutrition bar sector in India, introducing Revital NXT to the market. 

2022: The company expanded its reach by acquiring the Uractiv portfolio from Fiterman Pharma in Romania.

Major Subsidiaries of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Taro Pharmaceuticals

Taro Pharmaceuticals is a renowned subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., making a significant mark in the industry. Founded in 1950, Taro is headquartered in Hawthorne, New York. Specialising in prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, the company is prominent in the US, Canada, and Israel. Its portfolio is rich with products addressing various dermatological conditions. A milestone in Taro’s journey includes its successful development of high-barrier-to-entry generic medications, solidifying its position in the pharmaceutical domain. This subsidiary’s product, Topicort (desoximetasone), is a trusted name for treating a variety of skin conditions, reducing symptoms like swelling, itching, and redness.

Ranbaxy Laboratories

Ranbaxy Laboratories, now a part of Sun Pharma, is a key player in the Indian pharmaceutical arena. Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, Ranbaxy has a strong global presence. Before its acquisition by Sun Pharma in 2014, it was the largest pharmaceutical company in India. The merger marked a significant expansion in Sun Pharma’s overall capacity and capabilities, enhancing its global footprint. Ranbaxy has contributed substantially to the pharma industry with its vast range of generic medicines. Its most famed product, Caverta (sildenafil citrate), has been a trusted solution for erectile dysfunction, offering effectiveness and reliability to countless individuals.

Major Acquisitions by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Chattem Chemicals (2008)

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. made a significant acquisition in 2008 by acquiring Chattem Chemicals, Inc., a US-based company renowned for its proficiency in manufacturing and marketing bulk pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and original prescription pharmaceuticals. This acquisition enhanced Sun Pharma’s portfolio, as Chattem Chemicals held an essential place in the production of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and registered several notable milestones in drug manufacturing and marketing. The company was well-regarded for its commitment to quality and innovation, and its integration into Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. led to expansion of Sun Pharma’s global presence, particularly in the United States.

Dusa Pharmaceuticals (2012)

2012 saw Sun Pharma advancing its strategic expansion with the acquisition of DUSA Pharmaceuticals. DUSA Pharmaceuticals, a dermatology company, was headquartered in the United States. It was mainly involved in the development and marketing of Levulan (aminolevulinic acid HCl), a product used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), and its BLU-U brand phototherapy light source. This acquisition improved Sun Pharma’s already strong position in dermatology, allowing them to add innovative and complementary products to their extensive portfolio.

Pola Pharma (2019)

In 2019, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. enhanced its dermatological footprint by acquiring Pola Pharma, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. Pola Pharma was extensively involved in the development, manufacture, and sale of dermatological products and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, giving Sun Pharma a broader access to the Japanese market, the third-largest pharmaceutical market globally. The company’s rich history in innovative dermatological solutions, including treatments for skin conditions like acne and atopic dermatitis, and its range of OTC and prescription pharmaceutical products, complemented Sun Pharma’s global dermatology franchise, enabling the expansion of their portfolio and providing better healthcare solutions to a wider demographic.

Products/Brands under Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

1. Glumetza (Metformin HCL Extended-Release Tablets)

Sun Pharma’s Glumetza is a well-known medication for managing type 2 diabetes. This oral diabetes medicine helps control blood sugar levels by improving the way the body handles insulin. It is used in patients who cannot control their blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It’s highly essential for maintaining proper blood sugar levels to prevent the risk of kidney damage, sexual function problems, nerve problems,blindness, and loss of limbs. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Glumetza performs its function efficiently, ensuring that the sugar levels in the blood are within a healthy range, thereby helping millions of patients globally to lead a healthier life.

2. Doxil (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome Injection)

Sun Pharma also provides Doxil, a version of doxorubicin, utilised for the treatment of ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, and AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. This anthracycline-type chemotherapy medication operates by halting the growth of cancer cells. It stands as a reliable choice for healthcare professionals fighting against certain forms of cancer.

3. Absorica (Isotretinoin Capsules)

Another leading product from Sun Pharma is Absorica, a medication used for treating severe nodular acne. This is a form of vitamin A that reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin and helps your skin renew itself more quickly. Absorica is prescribed only after other acne treatments fail to yield results. Its effectiveness is well-documented, with a vast majority of patients experiencing significant clearing of their acne symptoms. It’s a boon for those battling severe acne, offering them a chance for clearer skin and enhanced confidence.

Conclusion

Sun pharma is firm in its dedication to enhancing the health of individuals globally. Since its beginning, Sun Pharmaceutical has concentrated on offering quality medication that is both affordable and accessible to everyone. With a notable history filled with expansion and innovation, the company constantly strengthens its global position, ensuring its place at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. The wide range of products and committed team further highlights its commitment to health and wellness.