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The best-selling drug in India chalks up sales of only Rs 90-crore odd. By contrast, Lipitor from Pfizer had global sales of $10.3 billion (some $6.8 billion coming from the US alone). In the US, cholesterol and ulcers - rich men's diseases both - are the No.1 priority. Not so in India. Which are the top-selling drugs in this country? Retail audit firm ORG, which keeps tabs on such things, provides the answers for the year 2004.
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COREX Rs. 89.7 crore
This ethical cough preparation from Pfizer became the top brand in 2001. Its turnover shows that it is nothing to be sneezed at.
HUMAN MIXTARD Rs. 84 crore
This is an insulin used in diabetes care. Considering that India is home to the largest number of diabetics in the world, the turnover is actually quite low.
VOVERON Rs. 83.2 crore
Known as Diclofenac, this is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Voveran is manufactured in India by Novartis. BECOSULES Rs. 77.7 crore Another bestseller from Pfizer, these multivitamins used to be the company's biggest brand until recently. It's been around since 1970.
TAXIM Rs. 74.3 crore This anti-infective from Alkem Laboratories is expected to cross Rs. 100 crore in turnover soon. Alkem was set up in 1973 by Samprada Singh and is one of the foremost pharma sector entrepreneurship stories in India. |
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Liv.52 Rs. 67.6 crore
This is a hepato-protective from Himalaya Drug. Also around since 1970, it "ensures optimum liver function and acts as a detoxification agent".
ASTHALIN Rs. 66.8 crore
Asthalin is indicated for the relief of bronchospasm in asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema and other conditions associated with airways obstruction. It is one of the top-sellers in the Cipla stable. SPORIDEX Rs. 63.5 crore Another anti-infective - this time from Ranbaxy - Sporidex is one of the fastest-growing pharma brands in the country. DIGENE Rs. 63.4 crore Digene from Abbott is an antacid / antiflautulent. Around since 1968, it is the oldest on this list.
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