Strides Pharma Science Limited (Strides) has delivered a strong financial performance for the second quarter, with significant improvements across key metrics.

Financial Highlights

Strides reported a substantial 81% year-over-year increase in consolidated net profit, which rose to ₹1.3 billion from ₹718 million in the same quarter last year. This impressive growth in profitability underscores the company's operational efficiency and strategic initiatives.

The company's revenue showed modest growth, increasing to ₹12.2 billion from ₹12 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a 1.7% year-over-year rise.

Operational Performance

Strides demonstrated notable improvements in its operational metrics:

The significant expansion in EBITDA margin from 15.82% to 18.97% indicates enhanced operational efficiency and cost management.

Market Performance

Strides Pharma Science's strong quarterly results reflect its resilience in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. The company's ability to grow its bottom line substantially while maintaining steady revenue growth suggests effective cost control measures and potentially improved product mix.

Management Commentary

Badree Komandur, Managing Director and Group CEO of Strides, commented on the performance: "Strides continues to deliver a strong performance in Q2FY26, with growth primarily driven by the Other Regulated Markets. Our focus on profitability enabled the gross margin growth of 15% YoY, and EBITDA growth of 25% YoY."

He further added, "Operational PAT stood at ₹1,403m, up 84% YoY, with EPS rising to ₹15.2 for the quarter. Net debt reduced sequentially by ₹469m despite currency headwinds and ongoing capex investments, reaffirming our strong financial discipline and focus on balance sheet health."

Future Outlook

The company's performance indicates a positive trajectory, with management emphasizing sustainable, long-term growth. Strides' focus on Other Regulated Markets and its ability to improve profitability metrics suggest a robust strategy for navigating the evolving pharmaceutical industry landscape.

Investors and stakeholders will likely watch for continued execution of the company's growth strategies and its ability to maintain this momentum in the coming quarters.

Strides Pharma Science Limited , a global pharmaceutical company, has announced a significant partnership with Incepta Pharmaceuticals to enhance women's health access in Africa. This collaboration marks a major step forward in providing affordable and quality reproductive health solutions to underserved regions.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Strides will market the world's first WHO-prequalified generic version of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in Africa.
• The product, branded as Medogen SubQ, will be launched to expand access to safe and convenient contraceptive options.
• This partnership reinforces Strides' commitment to women's health as a strategic priority and its focus on impactful global collaborations.

Product Details and Significance

Medogen SubQ, developed by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, is a three-month contraceptive that can be administered by healthcare workers or self-injected after appropriate training. The WHO prequalification of this generic version is a breakthrough in reproductive health access, as it helps diversify the supply of DMPA-SC and potentially reduces procurement costs for health systems.

Impact on Women's Health

This initiative addresses a critical need in global women's health:

• Over 250 million women worldwide still lack access to modern contraception.
• The discretion, convenience, and empowerment potential of DMPA-SC make it a transformative choice for women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Strategic Implications for Strides

Executive Insights

Aditya Kumar, Executive Director of Business Development at Strides, emphasized the company's commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable, and high-quality contraceptive medicines. He stated, "We are very excited to partner with Incepta to make available a version of this easy-to-use, long-acting reversible contraceptive empowering women in the region to have greater control of their reproductive rights and choices."

This partnership between Strides Pharma Science and Incepta Pharmaceuticals represents a significant step towards improving reproductive health outcomes at scale in Africa. By bringing a WHO-prequalified generic contraceptive to the market, the companies aim to expand choices and access for women, enabling them to take greater control of their reproductive health.

As Strides continues to invest in partnerships that address pressing global health needs, this collaboration underscores the company's dedication to making a meaningful impact in women's health across underserved regions.