Shares of several Indian pharmaceutical companies attracted investor attention on Tuesday following reports that the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has reached out to Indian manufacturers amid a shortage of the cancer drug ifosfamide in the United States.
According to a Mint report citing sources, the regulator has approached Indian drug makers through the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association to secure additional supplies of the medicine.
Supply issues linked to Baxter facility
The shortage has been attributed to manufacturing problems at a facility associated with Baxter International.
Production disruptions have affected the availability of ifosfamide, a drug used in the treatment of:
- Testicular cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
The shortage is expected to continue through 2026, raising concerns over supplies of the medicine.
USFDA widens sourcing options
The report said the USFDA is giving preference to facilities already registered with the agency.
However, it is also considering Indian plants that are not FDA-registered but have:
- Strong compliance records
- Established quality standards
The move is aimed at maintaining the supply of the drug amid continuing shortages.
Pharma stocks in focus
No companies were specifically named in the reported outreach.
However, investors have turned their attention to listed players including:
- Cipla Ltd
- Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Zydus Lifesciences Ltd
Markets will be watching whether any of these companies emerge as suppliers.
Cipla gains 2.4%
Cipla Ltd, founded in 1935, manufactures generic medicines across several therapeutic segments, including oncology.
The company has a market capitalisation of ₹1.16 lakh crore.
During the session:
- Shares rose 2.4 percent.
- The stock touched ₹1,449.30.
- The previous close was ₹1,415.30.
Alkem Laboratories rises 2.5%
Alkem Laboratories Ltd develops and manufactures pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
Its operations span more than 50 countries.
During the day:
- Shares gained 2.5 percent.
- The stock reached ₹5,500.35.
- It had closed at ₹5,366.40 in the previous session.
The company’s market capitalisation stood at ₹65,379.94 crore.
Zydus Lifesciences advances 2%
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, formerly known as Cadila Healthcare, operates in pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and consumer wellness products.
The company has a market value of ₹1.10 lakh crore.
Its shares:
- Rose 2.05 percent.
- Hit an intraday high of ₹1,106.60.
- Closed previously at ₹1,084.35.
TL;DR:
Cipla, Alkem Laboratories and Zydus Lifesciences are in focus after reports said the USFDA has approached Indian drug makers amid a shortage of the cancer drug ifosfamide in the US. Supply disruptions are expected to continue through 2026.
AI summary:
- The US is facing a shortage of the cancer drug ifosfamide.
- A Mint report said the USFDA has approached Indian manufacturers.
- Supply disruptions are linked to manufacturing issues at a Baxter-associated facility.
- Cipla, Alkem Laboratories and Zydus Lifesciences are drawing investor attention.
- Shares of all three companies gained during Tuesday’s session.
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