Lupin has achieved a major regulatory milestone with the European Commission granting approval for its biosimilar ranibizumab, Ranluspec™. This approval represents a significant advancement in the company's biologics development program and expands its presence in the European pharmaceutical market.

Product Details and Therapeutic Applications

Ranluspec™ is available in both vials and pre-filled syringes formats, following a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. The biosimilar is a recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody fragment that binds and inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor A.

The therapeutic indications for Ranluspec™ encompass treatment of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization.

Partnership and Market Distribution

Lupin's biosimilar ranibizumab will be commercialized by Sandoz across the European Union, excluding Germany. The distribution strategy includes a specialized approach for France, where the product will be commercialized by both Sandoz and Biogaran, ensuring comprehensive market coverage.

Leadership Perspectives

Thierry Volle, President EMEA and Emerging Markets at Lupin, emphasized the achievement as validation of the company's scientific capabilities and manufacturing excellence. The approval reinforces Lupin's commitment to expanding access to innovative, high-quality, and affordable biologic therapies for underserved patients worldwide.

Dr. Cyrus Karkaria, President Biotechnology at Lupin, highlighted that the European Commission approval represents a milestone validating the company's unwavering commitment and scientific standards to making advanced biologic therapies more accessible to patients.

Strategic Impact on Biologics Market

This regulatory approval strengthens Lupin's position in the competitive biosimilars market while supporting healthcare systems with more affordable alternatives to reference biologics. The partnership with Sandoz leverages established distribution networks and market expertise to ensure effective product commercialization throughout the approved territories.

Lupin Limited has successfully appointed Mr. Anand Kripalu as an Independent Director following the completion of its postal ballot process on February 13, 2026. The pharmaceutical company announced that the special resolution for his appointment received requisite majority approval from shareholders, with the appointment now officially disclosed under Regulation 30 of SEBI listing requirements.

Postal Ballot Results Overview

The postal ballot process demonstrated strong shareholder participation and support for the appointment. The voting results showed comprehensive engagement across all shareholder categories.

Category-wise Voting Pattern

The voting pattern revealed unanimous support from promoters and strong backing from institutional investors. Promoter and Promoter Group shareholders, holding 214,212,684 shares, voted with 100.00% participation and complete support for the resolution.

Leadership Experience and Background

Anand Kripalu brings over three decades of leadership experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector to Lupin's board. He currently serves as Executive Director of EPL Limited and previously served as its Managing Director and Global CEO until December 31, 2025.

Kripalu graduated from IIT Madras with a B.Tech in Electronics and earned an MBA from IIM Calcutta. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both institutions and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Wharton Business School.

Current Board Positions and Strategic Value

Kripalu currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of Swiggy Limited and United Breweries Limited, having previously served as a director at Marico Limited. His extensive experience across consumer goods, technology, and beverage sectors provides valuable cross-industry insights.

Manju D Gupta, Chairman of Lupin, commented on the appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Anand to the Board. His vast experience will be invaluable in advancing Lupin's strategic priorities and reinforcing our position in the global pharmaceutical industry."

Process and Timeline

The postal ballot process was conducted entirely through remote e-voting, following regulatory guidelines and MCA circulars. The company appointed National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) as the e-voting service provider, with Saurabh Agarwal serving as the appointed Scrutinizer.

The appointment strengthens Lupin's board composition with independent directorship expertise and cross-sector leadership experience, supporting the company's strategic initiatives in the global pharmaceutical market.