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Writer's pictureDr Rizwana Mustafa

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Updated: Dec 21, 2023

Around 70% of Pakistan’s demand for medicines is fulfilled by the pharmaceutical industry. The nationals and the multinationals hold about equal shares of the local pharmaceutical market. Pakistan is home to 759 pharmaceutical production facilities, including 25 global corporations.


Throughout time, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector has expanded quickly and has significantly boosted the economy of the nation. The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan has been growing at an unprecedented pace over the past few years. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) estimates that the business is valued at around $4 billion and is growing about 12% per year.


The top 10 pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan will be examined in more detail in this blog article based on their quality, research and development, growth, and general reputation in the sector.


In Pakistan, an extensive network of quality control laboratories has been set up to guarantee high-quality medicinal products. According to best worldwide practices DRAP (Drug Regularity Authority Of  Pakistan) approved medicines are subjected to quality testing. So quality is a very important tool in the pharmaceutical industry.


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The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan gives millions of people access to high-quality, necessary medications at low cost. Strong and self-sufficient in terms of technology, the pharmaceutical industry is contributed significantly to national sustainability in the area of medicine, The 10 pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan are well-positioned to compete on the global stage.  


All these 10 top-ranked Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are setting industry norms. They establish themselves on the international level via the latest research and production.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 players of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.


1. GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan Ltd

Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan

Company profile

As one of the oldest and most established pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, GlaxoSmithKline has a long history in the field. Founded in 1895, GSK is now one of the leading multinational pharmaceutical businesses in Pakistan. They have nearly 8,000 employees working across five different production sites. It is considered one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, and it is committed to improving the healthcare sector in the country.


Research and Development

 Furthermore, GSK’s commitment to research-driven innovation makes it an industry leader. The company has a diverse range of products, including vaccines, medicines, and consumer healthcare products. Additionally, GSK is a leader in the market because of its dedication to research-driven innovation. The firm produces a wide variety of goods, including pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare items, and vaccines.


Quality

Their goal is to enable individuals to do more, feel better, and live longer. In line with GSK’s quality vision, which is to enhance the value of human life by empowering individuals to achieve more, experience greater well-being, and live longer.


Products

The business provides a wide variety of cutting-edge goods, such as vaccinations, and drugs for diseases including HIV/AIDS. The company offers a broad range of innovative products, including vaccines, and medicines for conditions such as HIV/AIDS and preterm births.

They are well known for their brands of Advair, Augmentin, and Tums. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both treated with Advair, bacterial infections with Augmentin, and heartburn and indigestion with Tums.

GSK provided a monoclonal antibody therapy for the early treatment of COVID–19. They have a partnership with a US immunology company hence, ranked among the top 10 pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan.


Growth

GSK growth is represented as follows according to their annual report 2021

Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan
Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan

Website


2. Abbot Laboratories (Best Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan)

Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan

Company Profile

Abbot Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd. is one of the best Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, Their business has grown to rank among the biggest manufacturers in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab. The mission of Abbott Laboratories is to meet the pharmaceutical requirements of both patients and medical professionals. By collaborating closely with regional health authorities and with reputable research partners the company also aims to provide cutting-edge medications and treatments to people all over the nation.

Founded on July 2, 1948, Abbott Laboratories is a public limited company whose shares are traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Its registered office is located at Hyderabad Road, Landhi, Karachi.


Quality

 They aim to constantly provide customers with outstanding goods and services that greatly enhance their quality of life.


Products

Abbott is a multinational healthcare corporation best pharmaceutical company in Pakatan. They manufacture a variety of goods in some therapeutic fields, including nutrition, medical equipment, and diagnostics. The company’s main business includes the production, import, and marketing of pharmaceutical, nutritional, diagnostic, diabetes care, hospital, and consumer products based on research. Its best-known goods are Pedialyte, FreeStyle Libre, and Similac. Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution used to avoid dehydration.


Growth

Sales increase of 1.3% for the entire year 2022 and organic sales growth of 6.4%


Website


3. Pfizer

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

Another well-known top pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan is Pfizer. Their business was established in 1849. Pfizer is now among the biggest Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan and the best manufacturers in the world. Their product line also includes nutritional supplements, hormone replacement therapy, antibiotics, painkillers, allergy drugs, weight reduction therapies, and more.


In 1961, Pfizer opened a manufacturing facility in Karachi, Pakistan. Their facilities are spread out across 5 acres and employ 641 people.


Quality

Their values are Courage excellence equality and joy. They provide quality-based products. Their specialized production lines for tablets, capsules, semi-solids, and liquids. Pfizer and Biontech To Deliver 13 Million Doses of Its Vaccination to Pakistan to Fight COVID–19.


Products

With a vast range of medicines in several therapeutic areas, Pfizer is a world leader in the pharmaceutical sector. The most well-known of their goods include Lyrica, Lipitor, and Viagra. Lyrica is used to treat nerve pain, Lipitor to lower cholesterol levels, and Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction. In addition to these goods.

Pfizer also contributed to the creation of several COVID–19 vaccines, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which is now approved for use. Their products also include cancer treatment drugs.


Growth

According to the annual report of Pfizer, their revenue for 2021 is as follows


Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan


The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?


Website


4. Novartis

Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan


Company profile

Novartis is one of the biggest manufacturers and distributors of medicines in Pakistan. Established in 1895, the company has become a leader in the healthcare sector. They have a vast portfolio of high-quality products. Novartis offers both branded and generic medicines and distributes them through its large network of partners throughout Pakistan.


Quality 

They aim to provide Quality products. The company’s product range includes prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. They are known as the top best pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan due to their quality products.


Research and development

Through R&D they are discovering opportunities to cure diseases and chronic illnesses. They aim to discover ways to improve and extend people’s lives.


Products

Global healthcare business Novartis creates a variety of medications in cancer, neurology, and immunology, among other therapeutic fields. Gilen is one of their best-known products.


Growth

Gross profit for the year 2022 was 36,342 million USD


Website

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

5. Sanofi

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

Sanofi Pakistan is a subsidiary of the French-based Sanofi S.A. It was established in 1958 and has since become one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the country. The company’s product range includes prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products.

Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has operations in more than 170 nations, including Pakistan. The goal of Sanofi Pakistan is to support Pakistan’s healthcare system and deliver top-notch medications to local people.


Quality and Research and development

A committed team of specialists at Sanofi Pakistan works relentlessly to make sure that their products are accessible to patients and reason

ably priced. The business also makes investments in quality and R&D initiatives to sell cutting-edge medicines.


Products

Pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pakistan creates a variety of medical supplies, including vaccinations, prescription medications, and consumer healthcare items. Some of its well-known goods include Nasacort, a nasal spray used to treat allergies, Plavix, a drug used to prevent blood clots, and Lantus, a long-acting insulin used to treat diabetes.

Sanofi Pakistan is dedicated to providing top-notch and cutting-edge healthcare products to better the lives of people in Pakistan and all across the world.


Growth

Their global sales are as follows in the year 2022


The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Website

6. Getz Pharma

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

In 1995, the Pakistani pharmaceutical firm Getz Pharma was founded. Particularly in the fields of gastroenterology, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, the firm is renowned for its high-quality and reasonably priced medications.

 They emphasize creating budget-friendly medicines. Their medicines adhere to international standards. The corporation has more than 3,000 employees spread across nine production facilities around the country. Getz Pharma also collaborates closely with governmental organizations to advance Pakistani citizens’ access to medical supplies.

According to their values, the foundation of their quality and service is their principals, employees, and suppliers. Everyone at Getz Pharma contributes to the company’s standing as a reliable producer and marketer, thus everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect.

Quality control

Modern production facilities and stringent quality control procedures are used by the firm to guarantee that its goods satisfy high international standards. The goal of Getz Pharma’s Quality Management System (QMS).  It is based on ICH, WHO, and PIC/s  guidelines. It is concentrated on a Quality Policy and a goal to satisfy consumer needs.

Getz Pharma has a dedicated Quality Assurance Department that makes sure that effective quality methods. Moreover, their Quality Control Laboratory is the first and only one in Pakistan to have received WHO Pre-qualification and approval.


Research and development

 Getz Pharma continues to invent and release new products with a focus on research and development to enhance the health and well-being of people in Pakistan and elsewhere.


Products

The company’s wide product portfolio comprises drugs for a range of therapeutic conditions, including gastrointestinal problems, infections, respiratory ailments, and cardiovascular diseases.


Azro, an antibiotic used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, is one of the company’s well-known goods. Plaquex is another well-known item that lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, Getz Pharma provides a selection of oncology medications, including Docetax, which is used to treat different cancers.


In addition, the business sells over-the-counter (OTC) items including vitamins, painkillers, and cold and cough remedies. A couple of the well-liked OTC goods include the painkiller Napa and the dietary supplement Enercal.


Growth


Website

7. Martin Dow

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

In 1995, the Pakistani pharmaceutical business Martin Dow was founded. Particularly in the fields of gastroenterology, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, the firm is renowned for its high-quality and reasonably priced medications. The firm offers a wide variety of goods, such as consumer healthcare items, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and prescription drugs.


Research and development

The Martin Dow Group is an organization focused on innovation that is dedicated to providing a wide selection of high-quality medications and formulations that fulfill the promise of better patient outcomes.


Quality

Martin Dow maintained a well-established quality management system for safe, dependable, and consistent quality goods. They are considered among the top 10 pharmaceutical players in Pakistan due to their quality vision.


Research and Development

 The Martin Dow Group is an organization focused on innovation and research that is dedicated to providing a wide selection of high-quality medications and formulations that fulfill the promise of better patient outcomes.


Products

With an emphasis on quality and innovation, Martin Dow is a renowned pharmaceutical business with headquarters in Pakistan. The firm manufactures a variety of goods for the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, among other therapeutic fields. They are well known for their products Calsium-D3, Cardiprin, and Zicam. Cardiprin is used to avoid blood clots, Zicam is used to alleviate cold symptoms, and Calsium-D3 is a supplement used to address calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.


Website


8. Sami Pharma

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

Pakistani top pharmaceutical industry Sami Pharma was founded in 1996. Particularly in the fields of gastroenterology, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, the firm is renowned for its high-quality and reasonably priced medications. The business offers a wide variety of medicines.


Research and Development

Sami Pharma is dedicated to offering high-quality pharmaceuticals and healthcare goods. They are known for their superior production, research & development, and customer service.

Sami Pharma’s emphasis on research and development is one of its main focuses. A committed group of scientists and researchers at the corporation concentrate on creating new pharmaceuticals and enhancing ones already on the market.


Quality

Sami Pharma’s dedication to quality assurance is a key component of its operations. At every level of the manufacturing process, they have strong quality control systems and quality standards.


Products

A wide range of therapeutic categories, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and anti-infective medications, are covered by Sami Pharma. They manufacture both Branded and generic medications. Some of Sami Pharma’s best-selling items include Cardicare, a group of medications for treating cardiovascular illnesses, Respira, a group of antibiotics, and Derosal (for dermatological conditions). In addition to this, the business also provides a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) goods, such as antacids, multivitamins, and painkillers.

Website

9. Roche

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Company profile

A global pharmaceutical corporation called Roche has been doing business in Pakistan for many years. The main company’s subsidiary, Roche Pakistan has its headquarters in Karachi. Their business is well-established in Pakistan and supplies the local market with a variety of pharmaceutical products.


Research and Development

Roche Pharma Pakistan is dedicated to expanding access to healthcare in Pakistan in addition to its focus on innovation.  To promote disease prevention and early detection, the company has also started educational initiatives.


Quality

The primary goal of Roche Pharma Pakistan is to address the unique and quality-based healthcare needs of the Pakistani people. Roche is among the best pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan.


Products

 Medicines for cancer, hematology, immunology, infectious disorders, neurology, and ophthalmology are among the products offered by the firm.


Growth

Roche 2022 sales are as follow

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Website

10. Bayer

The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Global pharmaceutical corporation Bayer Pharma is one of the best Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan and has operations in over 90 nations, including Pakistan. The parent company of Bayer Pharma Pakistan is Bayer AG, with its global headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany.  Bayer Pharma has been in business in Pakistan for more than 50 years and offers a wide variety of medicines that address various therapeutic areas.


Research and Development

 The business places a high priority on research and development and makes significant investments in this field. A group of highly skilled experts works relentlessly to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient outcomes for Bayer Pharma Pakistan.

 Bayer Pharma Pakistan is dedicated to enhancing Pakistan’s healthcare system and places a high priority on research and development. Products from the firm are extensively utilized in Pakistan and have enhanced the lives of countless people.


Products

A wide range of pharmaceutical products is offered by Bayer Pharma Pakistan, including treatments for cancer, women’s health, radiography, and cardiovascular illnesses. The business also manufactures goods for agricultural science and animal health. Xarelto, Nexavar, Stivarga, Adempas, and Mirena are some of Bayer Pharma Pakistan’s best-selling goods.


Growth

The sales report 2021, Bayer is as follows


The Top 10 Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan: Who’s Leading the Way?

Conclusion

The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan is the sector, which consists of both local businesses and MNCs, decreased by 0.4%  in the year 2022. The pharmaceutical sector is facing many challenges due to conflicting legal regulations, a weakening currency, and price restrictions on medicines. The quality of the pharmaceutical business has become a significant problem. With the introduction of manufacturing techniques in the twenty-first century, there has been an increase in awareness of the significance of pharmaceutical quality. There is a chance to grow the economy of Pakistan through the contribution of the top 10 pharmaceutical industries but, both the government and business stakeholders still have a lot of work to do.


References


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