In a significant development for the Indian healthcare sector, the cardiac and anti-diabetes drugs market has expanded more than threefold over the past decade, according to recent data from market research firm Pharmarack.

The anti-diabetes segment has seen remarkable growth, escalating from ₹5,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹17,000 crore today. Similarly, the cardiac market has also experienced substantial expansion, rising from ₹10,000 crore to approximately ₹30,000 crore during the same period.

Sheetal Sapale, Vice President of Commercial at Pharmarack, attributes this impressive growth to the introduction of innovative medicines, which, despite their premium pricing, have significantly enhanced market reach and value. “The surge in market size can be largely credited to the emergence of new, effective treatments that have captured the attention of healthcare providers and patients alike,” she explained.

The data reveals a noteworthy trend in the marketplace: there are currently four brands in India that boast a turnover of at least ₹200 crore, a stark contrast to a decade ago when none achieved such figures. In the anti-diabetes segment specifically, around 13 brands now report turnovers ranging from ₹200-400 crore, together contributing approximately 26% to the total diabetes market.

This rapid expansion can be linked to the changing dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry. “If I look at the contribution of these segments to diabetes, it becomes a little mind-boggling,” Sapale remarked. “Thirteen brands contributing to almost 26% of the market is a testament to how significantly these brands have grown.”

Another striking aspect of this growth is the increase in the number of brands within the diabetes segment, which has more than doubled since 2018. The count has risen from 653 to a much larger figure, indicating a burgeoning competitive landscape.

Sapale explained that the increase in brand numbers is largely due to the loss of patents for several innovative molecules starting in 2019. As these patents expired, numerous branded generics entered the market, leading to a flood of new brands. “This doubling of the market number of brands has been facilitated by the influx of generics that emerged post-patent expiration,” she added.

She clarified that her analysis focused on brands with turnovers between ₹1-10 crore, but acknowledged that including brands with turnovers below ₹1 crore would reveal an even more extensive array of market participants.

In a conversation with Medgate Today, Sapale emphasized the transformative shift occurring within the cardiac and anti-diabetes drug markets.She expressed optimism about the future of these segments, noting the potential for continued innovation and growth.

With a diverse range of brands and a focus on advanced treatments, the cardiac and anti-diabetes drug markets in India are not only expanding but are also becoming increasingly competitive. This growth represents a vital opportunity for stakeholders in the healthcare industry to engage with emerging trends and contribute to better health outcomes across the region.