Derma brands: Past 12 months saw 320 launches in dermatology

Past 12 months saw 320 launches in dermatology, followed by gastro and vitamin-mineral segments

Of the 2,392 brands launched in the Indian pharma market in the past 12 months, dermatology segment had the highest with 320 launches. Analysts say as drug firms focus on the over-the-counter (OTC) segment, therapy areas such as dermatology and vitamins-minerals see traction in terms of introductions. 

Data from the market research firm, AIOCD AWACS, showed after 320 launches in the dermatology, the gastrointestinal segment saw 283 launches, followed by vitamins-minerals-nutrients with 251 launches. Anti-infectives, too, saw 251 launches in 12 months. 

Drug firms have of late sharpened their focus on the OTC category, and analysts feel that is the prime reason behind therapy areas like dermatology, vitamins, pain and analgesics witnessing the most number of launches. 

According to Nicholas Hall 2017 report, the Indian OTC market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nine per cent to cross the Rs 441.1 billion mark by 2026.

An Ahmedabad-based company that has strong presence in the dermatology segment said the use of topical creams, etc, are on the rise, and these are sold as OTC drugs many times. 

“Emollients, or treatment for dry and itchy skin, for example, had seen a lot of traction when it comes to consumers, buying directly from chemists. These are, however, prescription drugs. Sensing the opportunity, many companies have lined up new launches in this segment," it said. 

AIOCD data, too, confirmed the same. Among molecules that have seen the maximum number of launches, emollients have featured near the top, with 36 launches in a year. This means there have been three brand launches every month.

Vaccines (18.2 per cent), dermatology (12.3 per cent), anti-diabetics (14 per cent) and sex stimulants (10.4 per cent) were some of the fastest-growing categories in 2017.  

With the segment witnessing healthy growth, private equity firm ChrysCapital has picked a minority stake in Chennai-based skincare products firm Curatio Healthcare. 

As such, the Indian Pharma market has registered a 7.8 per cent growth in April, touching Rs 104 billion. The growth, however, was slower than 9.3 per cent registered in March 2018. AIOCD AWACS report showed while the volume growth was 6.8 per cent, the price growth was at negative 1.1 per cent. 

Of this, molecules under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM 2013) grew 5 per cent whereas the non-NLEM market grew 8.2 per cent. Corporates are thus trying to boost both volumes and margins through the non-NLEM molecules market. 

A few months ago, Lupin forayed into the OTC segment when it re-launched its 34-year-old legacy brand Softovac (constipation and irregular bowel habits medication) as an OTC product. 

In November last year, Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharma acquired Unichem Lab’s India business, which has popular OTC brands like Unienzyme. Nandini Piramal-led consumer products division of Piramal Enterprises, too, acquired Digeplex, a gastro-intestinal brand from Shreya Lifesciences recently. Piramal’s consumer arm acquired four OTC brands from Pfizer last year. 

Analysts said a renewed focus on the OTC segment stems from the sluggish prescription growth.