Introduction
In Pakistan, the leading pharmaceutical companies consist of both multinational and National entities. Some of the well-known pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan include:
1. Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals
2. Abbott Laboratories, Pakistan
3. Searle Company Limited
4. Getz Pharma
5. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan Limited
6. Sanofi Pharmaceuticals
7. Ferozsons Laboratories
8. OBS Pakistan Pvt. Limited
9. Wyeth Pakistan
10. Hilton Pharma
11. Macter International Ltd
12. SAMI Pharmaceuticals
13. High-Q Pharmaceuticals
The healthcare sector of Pakistan heavily relies on these companies, as they are at the forefront of producing inventive medicines and advanced medical equipment to meet the medical needs of the population.
| Serial No | Companies | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals | $300 million |
| 2 | Abbott Laboratories | $198.75 million |
| 3 | Searle Company Limited | $121.69 million |
| 4 | Getz Pharma | $87.9 million |
| 5 | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan Limited | $83 million |
| 6 | Sanofi Pharmaceuticals | $56.85 million |
| 7 | Ferozsons Laboratories | $41.04 million |
| 8 | OBS Pakistan Pvt. Limited | $33.69 million |
| 9 | Wyeth Pakistan | $14.7 million |
| 10 | Hilton Pharma | $14.3 million |
| 11 | Macter International Ltd | $12.82 million |
| 12 | SAMI Pharmaceuticals | $4 million |
| 13 | High-Q Pharmaceuticals | $3 million |
1. Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals
Martin Dow, a prominent pharmaceutical company, has established itself as a leading multinational healthcare group in Pakistan. With a strong presence in both Pakistan and France, the company operates six cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, four in Pakistan and two in France, enable Martin Dow to produce a diverse range of top-notch pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. With a global workforce of 4,000 dedicated professionals, the company effectively markets over 150 brands, further strengthening its position as a reputable player in the healthcare sector.
Revenue
Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Pakistan recorded a revenue of $300 million in the year 2023.
2. Abbott Laboratories Pakistan
Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Limited is a pharmaceutical company in Pakistan that manufactures, imports, and markets various healthcare products. The company is divided into different segments, including Pharmaceutical, Nutritional, Diagnostics, and Others.
1. Pharmaceutical Segment
This segment focuses on producing, bringing in, and promoting pharmaceutical products that are approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
2. Nutritional Segment
This segment specializes in bringing in and promoting nutritional products for children and medical purposes.
3. Diagnostics Segment
This segment deals with bringing in and promoting diagnostic equipment, molecular devices, and testing kits.
4. Others Segment
This segment includes the import and promotion of diabetes care products, as well as the manufacturing and promotion of general healthcare products.
Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Limited was established on July 2, 1948, and has its main office in Karachi, Pakistan. This company plays a vital role in offering high-quality medicines, nutritional products, diagnostics, and various healthcare solutions to cater to the diverse medical requirements of the people in Pakistan.
Revenue
In 2023, Abbott Laboratories in Pakistan reported a revenue of approximately 55.48 billion PKR or 198.75 million USD showing a 12.62% increase compared to the previous year
3. The Searle Company Limited
The Searle Company Limited, a pharmaceutical company located in Karachi, Pakistan, was established on October 5, 1965, as a branch of G.D. Searle & Co., U.S.A. Specializing in the production of pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, the company is dedicated to research and development.
In 2023, The Searle Company Limited remains headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, striving to create top-notch pharmaceutical products to address different medical requirements.
Some of the major products offered by Searle in Pakistan include
Aldactone
Aldomet
Byscard
Calan SR
Cinoxin
Clariza
Co-Extor
Colesta
Decadron
Extor
Ezium
Ferinject
Maltofer
Nuberol Forte
Renitec
Selanz
Sinemet
Vaptor
Venofer
Revenue
The Searle Company Limited in Pakistan earned 33.97 billion PKR in revenue last year, equivalent to approximately 121.69 million USD, with the majority of the earnings coming from their Pharmaceutical sector.
4. Getz Pharma
Getz Pharma (Private) Limited, a leading branded generic pharmaceutical company in Pakistan, has a global presence. Since its establishment in 1995, Getz Pharma has experienced remarkable growth and currently employs over 5,700 highly skilled professionals worldwide. The company's manufacturing facility is pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva and holds approvals from member countries. Moreover, Getz Pharma stands out as the sole pharmaceutical company in South Asia to attain LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Getz Pharma is recognized for its dedication to research and development, creating groundbreaking medications and medical devices to address a wide range of medical requirements. The company's advancements and achievements have established it as a significant contributor in the pharmaceutical sector, both domestically in Pakistan and on a global scale.
Some of the major products offered by Getz Pharma in Pakistan include:
Amtas
Cefiget
Celbex
Claritek
Ezita
Fexet
Getryl
HCQ 200
Lipiget ez
Lyta
Nimixa
Orlistat
Ribazole
Risek
Starcox
Tamsolin plus
Trevia
Uniferon
Revenue
5. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan Limited
GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan (GLAXO) is a pharmaceutical company based in Pakistan and is a subsidiary of the British multinational corporation GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It holds the position of being the largest pharmaceutical company in Pakistan and is involved in a wide range of therapeutic areas such as dermatology, gastroenteritis, analgesics, oncology, urology, and anxiety.
In 2002, GSK merged with Beecham, Glaxo Welcome, and Smith Kline, leading to the formation of the GSK. All of these entities held significant roles in the pharmaceutical market during that period.
GSK Pakistan made a significant move in 2008 by acquiring the operations of Bristol Myers Squibb in Pakistan for a sum of around US$36.5 million. Two years later, in 2010, the company expanded its presence in Pakistan by acquiring Stiefel Laboratories' operations.
The major products of GSK in Pakistan include
Amoxil
Augmentin
CaC 1000 plus
Calpol
Fortum
Havrix 720 JUNIOR
Infanrix
Lamictal
Lotrix
Maxolon
Panadol
Rotarix
T-day Syrup
Thergran-M
Velosef
Ventolin evohaler
Zentel
Zyertec
Zyloric
Revenue
The financial report for the year 2023 revealed that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan Limited generated a revenue of Rs23.26 billion or approx 83 million USD
6. Sanofi Pharmaceuticals
Sanofi-Aventis Pakistan, a pharmaceutical company, recently rebranded itself as Hoechst Pakistan Limited. The company has been around in Pakistan for a really long time, since way back in 1967. It became a public company in 1977. The company is known for manufacturing a diverse range of pharmaceutical products, such as oral solids, liquid dosage forms, and sterile products.
Some of the major products of Sanofi pharmaceutical in Pakistan include
Revenue
The revenue of Sanofi Pharmaceuticals in Pakistan hit about PKR 15,879 million or 15.879 billion or 56.85 million USD in 2023, marking a 6% growth from the previous year.
7. Ferozsons Laboratories
Ferozsons Laboratories Limited is a well-established pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Pakistan. It is listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) and is involved in producing a variety of pharmaceutical products such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions, and creams. The company has a strong focus on patient care and has taken part in collaborations and initiatives to promote healthcare awareness, particularly in areas like hepatitis and diabetes management. Ferozsons Laboratories is recognized for its dedication to innovation, high-quality pharmaceuticals, and its support for medical education and awareness campaigns in Pakistan.
Some of the major products of ferozsons laboratories in Pakistan include
Acylex
Azobar
Bronchol
Carveda
Cimet
Clarion
Clopid
Icon
Omega
Rifaxa
Sitagen
Revenue
Ferozsons Laboratories in Pakistan recorded a revenue of PKR 11,457 million or 11.457 billion or $41.04 million Usd in the year 2023.
8. OBS Pakistan Pvt. Limited.
OBS Pharma, which is under OBS Group, is a key player in the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It has positioned itself as a leading company among 695 pharmaceutical firms.
OBS Pharma has a strong track record of acquisitions and growth, which includes taking over Merck Sharp & Dohme Pakistan Ltd.'s operations and manufacturing, acquiring multiple MSD brands in Sri Lanka, and establishing partnerships with global pharmaceutical leaders like Mylan, J&J, Santen, and Vifor.
Recently, OBS Group is close to completing a deal to purchase pharmaceutical assets in Pakistan from Bayer AG.
Some of the major products offered by obs agp in Pakistan include:
Aldomet
Co-Renitec
Cozaar
Fosamax
Hyzaar
Ikodil
Janumet
Januvia
Moduretic
Noroxin
Novatec
Pepcidine
Rixago
Tryptanol
Revenue
Currently, OBS is ranked as the 8th largest pharmaceutical company in Pakistan among 704 companies. They have a group turnover exceeding PKR 9,300 million or 9.3 billion or 33.69 million USD
9. Wyeth Pakistan
Wyeth Pakistan Limited was established in 1949. It is a public limited company that deals with the import, marketing, distribution, and sale of pharmaceutical products that are based on research.
Some of the major products of Wyeth Pakistan in Pakistan include:
Centrum
Enbrel
Lyrica
Mucaine
Myrin
Myrin-P Forte
Nilstat drops
Premarin
Protonix
Tri HEMIC
Tygacil
Revenue
The revenue of Wyeth Pakistan in 2023 amounted to $14.7 million.
10. Hilton Pharma
Hilton Pharma (Private) Limited, situated in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in promoting licensed products from various pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, they manufacture generic versions of prescription drugs. With a remarkable presence of more than 35 years in Pakistan, Hilton Pharma is fully committed to offering pharmaceutical products that bring hope, health, and happiness to individuals. They have become a key player in the industry and play a vital role in the healthcare sector of Pakistan.
Hilton Pharma (Private) Limited, situated in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in promoting licensed products from various pharmaceutical companies. Moreover, they manufacture generic versions of prescription drugs. With a remarkable presence of more than 35 years in Pakistan, Hilton Pharma is fully committed to offering pharmaceutical products that bring hope, health, and happiness to individuals. They have become a key player in the industry and play a vital role in the healthcare sector of Pakistan.
Some of the major products of Hilton Pharma in Pakistan include:
Am-Telsan
ALP
Artem Plus
Cravit
Dapa
Gevolox Plus
Hitop
Lerace
Methycobal
Sitaglu Met
Revenue
In 2023, Hilton Pharma in Pakistan generated a revenue of $14.3 million.
11. Macter International Limited
Macter International Limited, a prominent pharmaceutical company based in Pakistan, has been running for three decades and is famous for producing pharmaceutical formulations. The company focuses on making and selling various types of pharmaceutical products, including oral solids, liquids, injections, creams, inhalers, and drops for the eyes and ears. Macter is well-known for its exceptional quality control and ranks among the top 5 pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan.
Some of the major products of Macter Pharma in Pakistan include
Bismol
Co-Amoxi
Cobolmin
Empozin
Maxil
Omnitor
Ropin
Sante
Silo
Revenue
Macter International Limited in Pakistan recorded a revenue of about PKR 3581 million or 3.58 billion or $12.82 million USD in the financial year 2023.
12. SAMI Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Limited
Sami Pharmaceuticals (Private) Limited is recognized as one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, that is famous for its dedication to quality and creativity in the healthcare field. They are dedicated to research and development, creating a variety of high-quality pharmaceutical products to meet different medical requirements.
Sami Pharmaceuticals has made impressive progress in the industry, introducing top-notch branded generics that have gained prominence in their respective categories. The company's commitment to research and development and its ability to produce cutting-edge products and equipment have positioned it as a major player in the pharmaceutical sector.
Revenue
SAMI Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. in Pakistan made $4 million in revenue in the financial year 2023.
13. High-Q Pharmaceuticals
Revenue
In 2023, High-Q Pharmaceuticals made $3 million in revenue in Pakistan.
The Bottom Line
The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in Pakistan as it is responsible for providing necessary healthcare solutions to the people. The top 10 pharmaceutical companies mentioned are important players in this field, making significant contributions to the country's economy and overall well-being. These companies are well-known for their high-quality products, extensive research and development efforts, and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare standards in Pakistan.
FAQ
Q1. What are the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in pakistan?
Ans. Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry is encountering numerous challenges that are affecting its day-to-day functions and the accessibility of crucial medicines. Some of the major challenges include:
1. Raw Material Shortages
The pharmaceutical industry heavily relies on imported raw materials, and economic crises have resulted in shortages of foreign currency reserves, making it difficult to procure raw materials. This has led to price increases, impacting the production and availability of medicines.2. Transport and Logistics Issues
The economic crises have had a negative impact on transport and logistics, resulting in delays and rising transportation costs. This has disrupted the supply chain for medicines and has affected the timely delivery to patients3. Stockpiling and Hoarding
People are really scared that there won't be enough medicine available in the market and the prices will go up a lot. Because of this, they are buying and keeping a lot of medicine, which is making it even harder for everyone to get the medicine they need.4. Reduced Demand
During economic crises, the demand for medicines decreases because people have less money to spend. This has a negative impact on pharmaceutical companies as it affects their profitability and their ability to keep up with production.5. Price Controls
The profitability of pharmaceutical companies has been adversely affected due to the government's implementation of price controls on certain drugs, aimed at making them more affordable. This, in turn, has made it more difficult for these companies to invest in research and development, ultimately affecting the availability of medicines. The challenges mentioned above are causing major problems for the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan. These problems are affecting the accessibility, affordability, and quality of important medicines.Q2. What are the future prospects of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan?
Ans. The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan has a bright future ahead. It shows great growth potential and offers numerous opportunities for further advancement. Let's take a look at some important findings that emphasize the promising outlook of this industry in Pakistan
1. Growth Trajectory
The pharmaceutical market in Pakistan is on the rise, driven by population growth, increased healthcare awareness, and rising per capita income. Sales reached $3 billion in 2023, showing a 12% increase over the past five years.
2. Export Potential
The pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan serves not only the local market but also ships pharmaceutical goods to more than 50 countries, such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. By 2023, it is anticipated that exports of Pakistani pharmaceutical products will hit approximately $250 million, highlighting the industry's export capabilities.
3. Regulatory Excellence
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is really important in making sure that the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan follows all the international rules and regulations. This commitment to maintaining high quality and safety standards has allowed Pakistani pharmaceutical companies to expand their export potential and attract foreign investors.
4. Collaboration Opportunities
The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Pakistan's pharmaceutical industries offers great potential for both countries. By working together, they aim to enhance research and development activities, while maintaining high international quality standards. This joint venture also strives to make medicines more affordable for the public.
5. Policy Recommendations
To unlock the full potential of the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan, we need to come up with new policies that will help it grow. These policies should primarily focus on various aspects including digital transformation, increased collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring adherence to quality and compliance standards, promoting sustainability initiatives, and enhancing employee productivity and development.
6. Economic Contribution
The pharmaceutical industry plays a major role in Pakistan's economy, making a significant contribution with an estimated value of USD 3.2 billion. It continues to grow at a steady rate of approximately 15% each year.
The future of the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan seems promising, with room for growth, new developments, global partnerships, and economic benefits on a local and international level.
Q3. What is the current market size of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan?
Ans. As of June 2023, the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan is estimated to be worth around Rs. 748 billion. This means that the total value of the pharmaceutical sector in Pakistan is quite significant. It's interesting to note that about 70% of the market's demand is fulfilled by local manufacturers and suppliers. Looking ahead, experts predict that the pharmaceutical market in Pakistan will continue to expand and could even reach close to Rs. one trillion by 2025.
Q4. What is the projected growth rate of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan?
Ans. Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow by 15.3% each year between 2019 and 2023. This growth rate is higher than that of multinational companies (MNCs) globally, which only achieved a 9.34% CAGR during the same period. Local pharmaceutical sales in Pakistan have maintained steady growth with a CAGR of 15.3% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting the success of local companies in the country's budget-friendly generic market.
Q5. What are the most popular therapeutic areas in the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan?
Ans. Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector focuses on a number of high-demand therapeutic areas. Some of the more popular ones are:
1. Gastroenterology
Searle Company Pakistan and Ferozsons Laboratories are dedicated to the field of gastroenterology, focusing on the study and treatment of digestive system disorders.
2. Hepatology
Ferozsons Laboratories has gained recognition for its exceptional contributions to hepatology, a medical discipline that encompasses the examination, prevention, diagnosis, and management of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreatic diseases.
3. Cardiology
Ferozsons Laboratories has also established itself as a reputable institution in the field of cardiology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders, as well as certain aspects of the circulatory system.
4. Oncology
In Pakistan, there are a number of pharmaceutical companies that prioritize oncology, a field dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Notable companies in this sector include GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Limited and Ferozsons Laboratories.
5. Diabetes Care.
The Searle Company Limited specializes in diabetes care, offering a range of medications and devices designed to help individuals manage diabetes mellitus.
In Pakistan, the pharmaceutical industry places great emphasis on these therapeutic areas. Companies specialize in creating products that target different medical needs within these specific fields.
References
FEROZ.PK | Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd. Annual Income Statement - WSJ https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/PK/XKAR/FEROZ/financials/annual/income-statement [Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
SANOFI-AVENTIS PAKISTAN LIMITED | DNB.com [Internet]: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.sanofi-aventis_pakistan_limited [Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Pakistan | Owler [Internet]: https://www.owler.com [Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
Abbott ABOT.PK | Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Ltd. Financial Statements https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/PK/XKAR/ABOT/financials
Glaxo Pakistan sustains Rs321mn losses in 6MCY23 | BUSINESS RECORDER [Internet]: https://www.berecorder.com [Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
Pharmaceuticals: how the locals are beating the multinationals | Pt Profit [Internet]: https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
[Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
Hoechst Pakistan Limited (formerly sanofi-aventis Pakistan Limited) https://dps.psx.com.pk/download/document/219876.pdf [Last accessed: March 11, 2024].
Disclaimer
All information on the product's uses, dosage, side effects, formula, ingredients, indications, contraindications, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and whether it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based solely on material found on the internet.And it is only provided here for general education and information purposes only.
We can not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information we published on this website. All of the information material we published is based only on FDA-approved literature and is not intended to replace expert medical advice.Always seek an expert medical advice from a health care provider before start using this medicine.
Dr. Adnan Karim
He completed his Pharm -D from the University Of Sindh Jamshoro and now working as a Regulatory and Compliance Officer at Muller & Phipps Pharmaceutical he has over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and he is committed to provide accurate and reliable information to help people make informed decisions about their health
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