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Introduction To The Industry
Introduction To The Industry
The pharmaceutical industry in India was valued at an estimated US$42 billion in 2021. India
is the world's largest provider of generic medicines by volume, with a 20% share of total
global pharmaceutical exports. It is also the largest vaccine supplier in the world by volume,
accounting for more than 50% of all vaccines manufactured in the world. With industry
standards compliant mega production capabilities and large number of skilled domestic
workforce, Indian exports meet the standards and requirements of highly regulated markets of
USA, UK, European Union and Canada. According to the Department of Pharmaceuticals,
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, domestic pharmaceutical market turnover reached Rs
129,015 crore (US$18.12 billion) in 2018, growing 9.4 per cent year-on-year and exports
revenue was US$17.28 billion in FY18 and US$19.14 billion in FY19.
Sun Pharmaceuticals is the largest pharmaceutical company from India and the fifth largest
specialty generic company in the world. It has capabilities across dosage forms like
injectables, sprays, ointments, creams, liquids, tablets, and capsules. Its businesses include
producing generics, branded generics, speciality, over the counter (OTC) products, anti-
retrovirals (ARVs), active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates in the full
range of dosage forms. It also produces specialty APIs. In FY19, US formulations contributed
the most to company’s sales with 37%, followed by India branded formulations at 26%.
As of 2021, most of the pharmaceuticals made in India are low cost generic drug which
comprise most of pharmaceutical export of India. Patented medicines are imported. APIs are
imported from China (60% supplies by volume worth US$2.4 billion) and Germany (US$1.6
billion) as well as from US, Italy and Singapore.[1] To foster an Atmanirbhar Bharat by
enhancing the R&D, Make in India product development and high-value production
capabilities, import substitution and domestic manufacture of active pharmaceutical
ingredient (API) the government has introduced a US$2 billion incentive program which will
run from 2021–22 to 2027–28. In 2019 the Department of Pharmaceuticals announced that as
part of the Make in India initiative, drugs for local use and exports must have 75% and 10%
local APIs respectively and a bill of material must be produced for verification. During 2018–
2021, India ranked third globally in terms of dollar value of drugs and medicines exports.
Major pharmaceutical hubs in India are (clockwise from northwest): Vadodara, Ahmedabad,
Ankleshwar, Vapi, Baddi, Sikkim, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai,
Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad.
Sun Pharmaceuticals
India is among the top 10 pharmaceutical exporting countries with its share of the global
market on the rise compared to the previous 5 years.
In September 2021, with the launch of Revital NXT, Sun Pharma Consumer Healthcare, a
division of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., announced its entry into the nutrition bar
category in India. Revital NXT, is a brand extension of Revital H, a health supplement.
In June 2021, Sun Pharmaceuticals acquired the patent license for Dapagliflozin from
AstraZeneca. The company will distribute and promote the drug under the brand name
‘Oxra’.
In May 2021, the company entered a royalty-free, non-exclusive licensing agreement with Eli
Lilly and Company to expand access to the COVID-19 drug, Baricitinib. The company will
manufacture and distribute the drug in India.
However, this is not possible because, firstly no company is a price taker (i.e. no company
will operate where profits are zero).
Secondly, they strive to create a competitive advantage to thrive in the competitive scenario.
Michael Porter, considered to be one of the foremost gurus' of management, developed the
famous five-force model, which influences an industry.
In this article, we apply this model for the Indian pharma industry.
Industry Competition
Pharma industry is one of the most competitive industries in the country with as many as
10,000 different players fighting for the same pie. The rivalry in the industry can be gauged
from the fact that the top player in the country has only 6% market share, and the top five
players together have about 18% market share.
Thus, the concentration ratio for this industry is very low. High growth prospects make it
attractive for new players to enter in the industry.
Another major factor that adds to the industry rivalry is the fact that the entry barriers to
pharma industry are very low. The fixed cost requirement is low but the need for working
capital is high.
The fixed asset turnover, which is one of the gauges of fixed cost requirements, tells us that
in bigger companies this ratio is in the range of 3.5 to 4 times. For smaller companies, it
would be even higher.
Many smaller players that are focused on a particular region, have a better hang of the
distribution channel, making it easier to succeed, albeit in a limited way.
An important fact is that pharma is a stable market and its growth rate generally tracks the
economic growth of the country with some multiple (1.2 times average in India). Though
volume growth has been consistent over a period of time, value growth has not followed in
tandem.
The product differentiation is one key factor, which gives competitive advantage to the firms
in any industry. However, in pharma industry product differentiation is not possible since
India has followed process patents till date, with laws favouring imitators.
Consequently, product differentiation is not the driver, cost competitiveness is. However,
companies like Pfizer and Glaxo have created big brands in over the years, which act as
product differentiation tools. This will enhance over the long term, as product patents come
into play from 2005.
In pharma industry, the buyers are scattered and they as such does not wield much power in
the pricing of the products. However, government with its policies, plays an important role in
regulating pricing through the NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority).
However, what can happen is that the supplier can go for forward integration to become a
pharma company. Companies like Orchid Chemicals and Sashun Chemicals were basically
chemical companies, who turned themselves into pharmaceutical companies.
Barriers to entry
Pharma industry is one of the most easily accessible industries for an entrepreneur in India.
The capital requirement for the industry is very low, creating a regional distribution network
is easy, since the point of sales is restricted in this industry in India.
However, creating brand awareness and franchisee amongst doctors is the key for long-term
survival. Also, quality regulations by the government may put some hindrance for
establishing new manufacturing operations.
Going forward, the impending new patent regime will raise the barriers to entry. But it is
unlikely to discourage new entrants, as market for generics will be as huge.
Threat of substitutes
This is one of the great advantages of the pharma industry. Whatever happens, demand for
pharma products continues and the industry thrives. One of the key reasons for high
competitiveness in the industry is that as an on going concern, pharma industry seems to have
an infinite future.
However, in recent times, the advances made in the field of biotechnology, can prove to be a
threat to the synthetic pharma industry.
Pestel Analysis
The PESTEL analysis pharmaceutical industry can give companies an idea about the external
factors which can have a temporary or lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry. The
given list shows the effect of the external factors:
Political Factors:
For any business to flourish, it is essential to have a stable political condition. Here are some
political conditions which can impact the pharmaceutical industry :
Most countries maintain frameworks that include guidelines about safety standards,
certifications, etcetera. They also mark the banned drugs, which may cause health
hazards. If a pharmaceutical company fails to follow those regulations, its business
may suffer severely.
Administrations of most countries try to gain control over the price of the drug to
make it affordable for people. It may toll on the growth of pharmaceutical companies.
Governments of some countries subsidize the pharmaceutical companies to keep the
essential drugs within the commoners' reach. It helps the companies to survive in the
competitive market.
Economic Factors:
The economy of any direct impacts the businesses. The pharmaceutical industry is also
affected when the economic conditions of a country get affected. The PESTEL analysis
pharmaceutical industry can identify the economic conditions which can affect the
pharmaceutical companies :
As the economic conditions of the countries are developing with time, the household
income of people is also increasing. It may allow them some essential drugs. They
may have the urge to buy costlier drugs, which were previously out of reach for many
people.
The researchers are constantly working on drug modification, resulting in more
beneficial and potential drug production. As people are buying those drugs, the
pharmaceutical industry is also flourishing.
The average healthcare spending of the families is increasing. If there are aged people
in a family, there are more chances of high healthcare expenses. It also includes the
cost of medicines. It is also giving the pharmaceutical companies to earn better profit
even after following Government guidelines about pricing.
Social Factors:
Socio-cultural factors of any country can impact the industries within the periphery of the
country. The pharmaceutical industry is not an exception, and the sociological conditions
dominate it gravely. Here are some sociological conditions which can impact the growth of
the pharmaceutical industry:
The lifestyle of people has people incredibly fast yet stagnant. As a result, more
people are moving towards obesity. Thus, facing health conditions like diabetes,
thyroid, hypertension. The patients need continuous medication to deal with this.
Hence the sales of the pharmaceutical companies are also increasing.
As the healthcare system has improved all over the country, the number of the aging
population is also growing. Hence, there is a need for more medicines for them than
for the younger ones. It creates a greater demand in pharmaceutical companies
resulting in their expansion.
Many people are concentrating on having a healthy lifestyle while doing exercises,
eating healthy. It may result in a decrease in the demand for drugs in the future.
Technological Factors:
Environmental Factors:
Environment is a significant concern, and the impact of waste materials on the environment
has worried the environmentalists. Here are some ecological issues which may affect the
pharmaceutical industry:
As the production of drugs is related to a large carbon footprint, many countries are
coming up with regulations to decrease the effect on the environment. As abiding by
these regulations may be costly for the new companies, they may fail to establish their
business.
The production of drugs results in the creation of different biotechnological
pollutants. They may be hazardous for people's health. The company needs to take
care of this waste to maintain the safety of the people.
Like other companies, pharmaceutical companies may take up some corporate
responsibilities towards the environment. They can donate money or campaign for
some environmental causes, which can help them create a better image.
Legal Factors:
A nation's legal conditions do not have much direct impact on the pharmaceutical industry.
However, there can be some indirect issues that may affect the growth of the pharmaceutical
business. The PESTEL analysis pharmaceutical industry can help to point out the legal
aspects which can work on the growth of the pharmaceutical industry :
As pharmaceutical products are one of the essential ones, the government always uses
laws to control the fraud regarding the expiration dates and manufacturing of the
batch of drugs. If a company fails to adhere to the set guidelines, it may have to face
legal proceedings.
Pharmaceutical companies are mainly dependent on their database. If they get
affected by cyber threats, the customer may lose their confidence in them. It can affect
their business as well.
Pharmaceutical companies should maintain strict legal guidelines while formulating
the framework for their business and researches. They ensure the safety of the
products. It helps them to avoid legal issues. Thus, allowing them to stay away from
the high expenses of proceedings.
Porters Diamond Model
Michael Porter’s Diamond Model, which is also popularly known as the Theory of National
Competitive Advantage of Industries is a strategic tool used by companies for determining
and developing the basis of competitive advantage needed for international growth and
expansion. The strategic model is shaped like a diamond and comprises of elements within a
framework that determine the case on international competitiveness for a firm within any
given industry. The elements within the framework are interconnected, and also interactive,
and include Firm Strategy, Structure and Rivalry; Factor Conditions; Demand Conditions;
and Related and Supporting Industries.
For Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry, these conditions and elements have been
particularly favorable in helping the firm boost its growth internationally with continuous
innovation and up-gradation. As a result, by focusing on these elements and their refinement,
Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has been able to become one of the eluding
beverage brands across the globe in different countries.
2. Factor conditions
Factor conditions are elements and aspects that provide a competitive advantage to the
industry and its firms. However, unlike natural resources, factor conditions are usually
developed by the country at large. For Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry, the
factor conditions include the following:
2.6. Infrastructure
The infrastructure is also an important factor condition for Investing in the Indian
Pharmaceutical Industry which has helped it grow and expand- not only locally but also
globally. The infrastructure includes the physical as well as the technological network that
has allowed Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry to successfully complete and
carry out operations in other countries and markets.
This infrastructure is largely developed by the country itself based on internal resources.
However, in cases of firm need and market potential, firms such as Investing in the Indian
Pharmaceutical Industry have also engaged in developing the local infrastructure – which has
not only helped the firm in the development but has also led to the growth and development
of the society and market where it has expanded to.
5. Government
This refers to how governments can influence firm performance and its growth plan through
its various policies as well as border relations with other countries one global front. For
Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry, government policies and structures across
different countries have been particularly favorable.
6. Chance events
Chance events in the model refer to those events and conditions in potential markets that are
not likely to occur with surety but instead, will provide opportunities, or threats to firms on
their occurrence – depending on the risks taken by the firms. For Investing in the Indian
Pharmaceutical Industry, chance events have included:
7. Demand conditions
Demand conditions are those events and conditions that lead to the success of a firm in any
given market Local, and home demand is important in not only exposing a firm to the
challenges of a bigger market, but are also important I pushing the firm towards expansion,
and possibilities of expansion.
Firms like Investing in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry can also influence the behaviour
of the consumers in one market based on the response they have received in another market.
This is important for strategic development within the firm for global strategies as well as
global expansion and development in other countries and markets.
For Sun Pharma Industries, SWOT analysis can help the brand focus on building upon its
strengths and opportunities while addressing its weaknesses as well as threats to improve its
market position.
The strengths of Sun Pharma Industries looks at the key aspects of its business which gives it
competitive advantage in the market. Some important factors in a brand's strengths include its
financial position, experienced workforce, product uniqueness & intangible assets like brand
value. Below are the Strengths in the SWOT Analysis of Sun Pharma Industries :
3. They have strong marketing & sales force of over 12,000 employees
4. They have successfully acquired Taro pharma which has further consolidated their position
in Indian markets
5. Strong brand presence in India and US markets
Sun Pharma Industries Weaknesses
The weaknesses of a brand are certain aspects of its business which are it can improve to
increase its position further. Certain weaknesses can be defined as attributes which the
company is lacking or in which the competitors are better. Here are the weaknesses in the
Sun Pharma Industries SWOT Analysis:
1. Stiff competition from many Indian and other global brands means limited market share
growth
The opportunities for any brand can include areas of improvement to increase its business. A
brand's opportunities can lie in geographic expansion, product improvements, better
communication etc. Following are the opportunities in Sun Pharma Industries SWOT
Analysis:
The threats for any business can be factors which can negatively impact its business. Some
factors like increased competitor activity, changing government policies, alternate products or
services etc. can be threats. The threats in the SWOT Analysis of Sun Pharma Industries are
as mentioned:
There are several brands in the market which are competing for the same set of customers.
Below are the top 4 competitors of Sun Pharma Industries:
1. Cipla:
Incorporated in 1935, Cipla has over 1500 products in various therapeutic categories
and presence in over 150 countries. It is the largest manufacturer of antiretroviral
drugs in the world and had launched World’s first oral iron chaletor in 1994.
In 2014, its revenue increased by about 22% but witnessed a drop in profits by 10% as
compared to the previous year.
2. Lupin:
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Mumbai, Lupin is a transnational
pharmaceutical company ranked 3rd largest(by revenue) in India that produce wide
range of generic formulations, biotechnology products, APIs.
Lupin showed a growth of 40% in profits in the year 2014 as compared to profits of
Rs 13141.6 million in 2013
It has recently announced acquiring 100% stake in Medquímica, a Brazilian
pharmaceutical, which marks its foray into the Brazilian markets and had also
acquired Laboratories Grin in Mexico last year
3. Aurobindo Pharma: