Natco Pharma , a prominent Indian pharmaceutical company, has successfully completed a significant strategic move by acquiring a 35.75% stake in Adcock Ingram Holdings Limited, a leading South African pharmaceutical firm. This acquisition, valued at approximately US$226 million (ZAR 4 billion), culminated in the delisting of Adcock Ingram from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on November 11, 2025.

Key Highlights of the Acquisition

Strategic Implications

The acquisition represents a significant step in Natco Pharma's global expansion strategy. By acquiring a stake in Adcock Ingram, Natco Pharma gains a strong foothold in the South African pharmaceutical market, which is crucial for its growth in the African continent.

Adcock Ingram, established in 1891, is one of South Africa's oldest pharmaceutical companies and ranks second in both the private and public pharmaceutical markets in the country. The company is renowned for its trusted medication brands, including Panado, Myprodol, Epi-Max, Citro-soda, and Allergex.

Management's Perspective

Rajeev Nannapaneni, CEO of Natco Pharma, commented on the acquisition: "This acquisition represents a significant step in our strategic growth plan across the globe. We are committed to preserving the rich legacy of Adcock Ingram while enhancing its capabilities to better serve the healthcare needs of communities across Africa and beyond."

Future Outlook

The acquisition is expected to create new opportunities for growth and innovation within the region. Natco Pharma aims to:

1. Leverage Adcock Ingram's established market position and consumer trust
2. Expand its product offerings further in South Africa and beyond
3. Enhance capabilities to serve healthcare needs across Africa

About Natco Pharma

Natco Pharma Limited is a public limited company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India, with a market capitalization of approximately US$2 billion. Established in 1981, Natco Pharma has evolved into a diversified pharmaceutical manufacturer, focusing on research and development, manufacturing, and global marketing of both finished dosage formulations and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

The company operates in over 50 countries, with a particular focus on delivering quality medicines in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and other high-value therapeutic categories. Natco Pharma employs around 5,000 people, including over 520 scientists and researchers across its seven manufacturing and two crop health sciences facilities in India.

This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Natco Pharma's global expansion efforts, potentially reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape in South Africa and beyond.

In a significant development for the pharmaceutical industry, the Supreme Court has granted approval to Natco Pharma for the introduction of the RISDIPLAM drug. This decision comes as a setback for Roche, whose request to prevent Natco Pharma from launching the product was rejected by the court.

Key Points of the Supreme Court Decision

• The Supreme Court has given the go-ahead to Natco Pharma for launching RISDIPLAM.
• The court rejected Roche's attempt to block Natco Pharma's product launch.
• RISDIPLAM is the drug at the center of this legal battle.

Implications for the Pharmaceutical Sector

This ruling by the Supreme Court could have implications for the pharmaceutical industry in India. It potentially opens doors for increased competition in the market for RISDIPLAM, which could lead to greater accessibility for patients.

About RISDIPLAM

RISDIPLAM is a medication used in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder affecting muscle strength and movement. The introduction of this drug by Natco Pharma could impact the treatment options available for SMA patients in India.

Industry Competition

The court's decision highlights the ongoing competition and legal challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the realm of drug patents and market access. This ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving pharmaceutical patents and generic drug manufacturing in India.

While this decision marks a victory for Natco Pharma, the full ramifications of this ruling on both companies and the broader pharmaceutical market remain to be seen.