India's leading pharmaceutical companies reported strong domestic sales growth for the September quarter, with Lupin, Glenmark and Sun Pharma posting double-digit gains across chronic-disease therapy segments. The figures underscored a shift toward branded formulations and specialty portfolios.

The growth followed a wave of senior marketing appointments across the sector. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals named Priyanka Tewari as Head of Marketing, while Lupin appointed Sonika Natalkar as Deputy General Manager for Marketing. Both firms confirmed the hires, which signalled intensified competition for share in cardimetabolic and respiratory categories.

Industry trackers AIOCD-AWACS and IQVIA identified cardiac, anti-diabetic and dermatology drugs as the fastest-expanding categories. Companies also leaned on contract development, with Jubilant Biosys expanding its CDMO leadership under Jay Sheth to capture outsourcing demand from Western clients cutting research costs.

The momentum contrasted with pressure on German chemical and pharmaceutical firms. An association survey found 29% of companies planned to shift research and development spending abroad. Executives at several Indian manufacturers said the trend favoured Asian contract producers positioned to absorb relocated capacity.

A Mumbai-based drugmaker's spokesperson said the domestic market remained the sector's most reliable engine, with volume growth in Tier-2 cities offsetting slower pricing gains in regulated export markets such as the United States.