Overview

Cipla is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai. Founded in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Hamied as the Chemical, Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories, it was established in the context of India’s Swadeshi movement and the effort to build domestic chemical and pharmaceutical capacity. The business later shortened its name to Cipla and became one of India’s best-known manufacturers of generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, APIs, inhalation systems, and selected personal-care and healthcare products. Its therapeutic focus includes respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, arthritis, depression, infectious diseases, paediatrics, and HIV/AIDS. Cipla has also worked in drug delivery, formulation development, and manufacturing services for other pharmaceutical companies. Its international business sells products in more than 80 countries, with manufacturing operations in India and overseas markets. Cipla’s identity has been strongly shaped by access to medicines. During the Second World War, it became an important supplier of quinine and vitamin B12 for Allied forces. In the late twentieth century, it challenged the commercial and legal assumptions surrounding pharmaceutical patents in India by producing medicines under the country’s process-patent framework. Its low-cost antiretroviral combinations became particularly prominent during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Cipla’s offer to supply antiretroviral treatment to African governments and charities at a fraction of prevailing prices made the company an influential example in debates over generic competition, public health, and access to essential medicines. The company has also pursued differentiated products rather than relying only on basic tablets and capsules. Its history includes the launch of deferiprone, an oral iron-chelating medicine, and the development of respiratory products and inhalation devices. During the 2006 avian-influenza period, Cipla sought to manufacture a lower-priced version of oseltamivir after reverse-engineering the medicine. In 2020, following a voluntary licensing arrangement with Gilead Sciences and Indian regulatory approval for restricted emergency use, Cipla introduced remdesivir in India under the brand name CIPREMI for certain critically ill COVID-19 patients. Cipla expanded through acquisitions and partnerships. It acquired the South African business formerly known as Cipla-Medpro, bought U.S. companies InvaGen Pharmaceuticals and Exelan Pharmaceuticals in 2015, entered digital therapeutics through partnerships in India and South Africa, and acquired the distribution and marketing business of Ivia Beaute’s cosmetics and personal-care portfolio in 2024. In South Africa, its subsidiary also acquired healthcare-products manufacturer Actor Pharma in 2023. Cipla remains a publicly listed Indian pharmaceutical company. Its equity is traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India, and its shares have also been represented through global depositary receipts in Luxembourg. The Hamied family has historically remained an important promoter group. The company’s current brand proposition combines broad generic-drug capability with specialist strength in respiratory care, infectious disease, complex formulations, and medicine access. Its business is global, but its corporate history remains closely connected to Indian industrial policy, generic competition, and public-health needs.

History

Cipla was founded in Mumbai in 1935 by Khwaja Abdul Hamied under the name Chemical, Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories. Hamied had pursued chemistry in the period when Indian nationalists were promoting economic self-reliance, and the company’s early purpose was closely associated with developing domestic capability in chemicals and medicines. During the Second World War, Cipla became a major supplier of quinine and vitamin B12 for Allied troops, helping establish its manufacturing importance. After Hamied died in 1972, leadership passed to his son Yusuf Hamied, a Cambridge-educated chemist. Under Yusuf Hamied, Cipla became closely associated with the growth of India’s generic pharmaceutical industry. In the late 1960s, the company manufactured propranolol without the permission of the foreign patent holder, Imperial Chemical Industries. The dispute contributed to a wider political and industrial debate in India about whether patents should cover pharmaceutical products or only the processes used to make them. Cipla supported the process-patent model, which enabled Indian manufacturers to develop alternative production methods and sell medicines at lower prices. India later reinstated product patents for medicines in 2005 following changes required by international trade rules. The company shortened its formal name to Cipla in 1984. In 1995, it launched deferiprone, described in reference material as the first orally administered iron chelator, adding an important example of product development beyond conventional commodity generics. In 1999, Cipla joined the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance as a founding member, aligning with other Indian manufacturers around the development and supply of generic medicines. Cipla’s most internationally consequential period came during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the early 2000s. Yusuf Hamied and Cipla developed a low-cost version of a three-drug antiretroviral regimen. Whereas treatment had been priced at roughly twelve thousand U.S. dollars per patient per year in the cited account, Cipla offered a version at approximately three hundred four dollars per year to African charities and governments. This intervention helped intensify pressure on international pharmaceutical companies and public institutions to reduce prices and expand access to HIV treatment. Cipla subsequently became one of the leading global suppliers of antiretroviral medicines, and its products were widely used in lower-income countries. During the 2006 avian-influenza period, Cipla reverse-engineered oseltamivir, commonly associated with the brand Tamiflu, and sought to make a lower-priced version available. The initiative reinforced its reputation for responding to public-health emergencies through generic manufacturing. The company later expanded its international operations through acquisitions. In South Africa, Cipla acquired Cipla-Medpro in 2013 and maintained it as a subsidiary. In 2015, it bought U.S. pharmaceutical companies InvaGen Pharmaceuticals and Exelan Pharmaceuticals, strengthening its American generics platform. Cipla diversified its business model during the 2010s and 2020s. It entered digital therapeutics through partnerships with Wellthy Therapeutics in India and Brandmed in South Africa in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it reached a voluntary licensing arrangement with Gilead Sciences and obtained Indian approval for restricted emergency use of remdesivir. Cipla marketed the medicine in India as CIPREMI in 2020. The company also continued expanding in South Africa, where Cipla South Africa acquired Actor Pharma in 2023. In 2024, Cipla acquired Ivia Beaute’s cosmetics and personal-care distribution and marketing business, extending its consumer-health and personal-care exposure. Cipla’s portfolio now spans prescription and over-the-counter medicines, APIs, respiratory products, anti-infectives, cardiovascular and metabolic therapies, paediatric medicines, and selected personal-care products. Its operations include manufacturing facilities in India and other countries and sales across more than 80 markets. The company remains listed in India, with the Hamied family retaining a historically significant promoter interest. Its modern corporate identity combines international generic-drug operations with a continuing emphasis on respiratory medicine, complex formulations, and access to treatment.

2024
Expansion into personal-care distribution
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla acquires Ivia Beaute’s cosmetics and personal-care distribution and marketing business.
2023
Actor Pharma acquisition
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla South Africa acquires healthcare-products manufacturer Actor Pharma.
2020
CIPREMI remdesivir launch
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla launches licensed remdesivir in India under the CIPREMI brand for restricted emergency use.
2019
Digital therapeutics partnerships
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla partners with Wellthy Therapeutics in India and Brandmed in South Africa.
2015
U.S. generics expansion
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla acquires InvaGen Pharmaceuticals and Exelan Pharmaceuticals.
2013
South African acquisition
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla acquires Cipla-Medpro and retains the business as Cipla Medpro South Africa Limited.
2006
Lower-priced oseltamivir effort
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
During the avian-influenza period, Cipla reverse-engineers oseltamivir and seeks to offer a lower-priced version.
2000
Low-cost antiretroviral treatment gains global attention
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla develops and supplies an inexpensive three-drug antiretroviral combination to African governments and charities.
1999
Cipla joins the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
The company becomes a founding member of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
1995
Deferiprone is launched
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla launches deferiprone, described as the first oral iron-chelating medicine.
1984
The company adopts the Cipla name
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
The company’s name is shortened from Chemical, Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories to Cipla.
1972
Yusuf Hamied assumes leadership
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Following the death of founder Khwaja Abdul Hamied, his son Yusuf Hamied takes over the company.
1940
Wartime supply expansion
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Cipla becomes a major supplier of quinine and vitamin B12 for Allied forces during the Second World War.
1935
Cipla is founded in Mumbai
[1]Ciplaen.wikipedia.org
Khwaja Abdul Hamied establishes the Chemical, Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories, later shortened to Cipla.

Products and positioning

Access-oriented, research-enabled multinational generic pharmaceutical company with strong respiratory and anti-infective capabilities.

Respiratory pharmaceuticals
Respiratory medicines
Respiratory care is one of Cipla’s principal therapeutic strengths. The company develops and manufactures medicines and inhalation products for conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its capabilities cover formulations, drug-delivery systems, and generic versions of established respiratory therapies.
Anti-infective pharmaceuticals
Antiretroviral medicines
Cipla manufactures antiretroviral medicines for HIV treatment and has been a major supplier to lower-income countries. Its low-cost combination therapies became especially prominent during the early-2000s AIDS crisis, when the company supplied governments and charitable organizations at substantially reduced prices.
Iron-chelation medicine · 1995
Deferiprone
Deferiprone is an oral iron chelator launched by Cipla in 1995. It is used in the management of iron overload and represents an example of the company’s product-development work beyond conventional commodity generics.
COVID-19 antiviral medicine · 2020
CIPREMI
CIPREMI is Cipla’s Indian brand for remdesivir. It was introduced in 2020 under a voluntary licensing arrangement with Gilead Sciences and after Indian approval for restricted emergency use in specified COVID-19 cases.
Prescription pharmaceuticals
Cardiovascular and metabolic medicines
Cipla’s broader prescription portfolio includes generic therapies for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and related metabolic conditions. These products form part of the company’s multi-therapeutic strategy across both Indian and international markets.
Consumer health
Personal-care and consumer-health products
In addition to medicines and APIs, Cipla markets selected healthcare and personal-care products. Its 2024 acquisition of Ivia Beaute’s cosmetics and personal-care distribution and marketing business expanded this part of the portfolio.

Controversies

2021
Cipla recalls 7,228 bottles of Solifenacin Succinate tablets in the US
Cipla initiated a US recall of 7,228 bottles of 10 mg, 30-count Solifenacin Succinate tablets because of current good manufacturing practices deviations. The USFDA classified it as a Class II recall.
Source
2020
Cipla and Celgene settle Revlimid patent litigation
Cipla announced a settlement of its patent litigation with Celgene concerning Revlimid. The settlement provides for consent judgments enjoining Cipla from marketing generic lenalidomide before the relevant patents expire, subject to settlement terms, and licenses for certain volume-limited US sales after a confidential date following March 2022 and unlimited sales no earlier than January 31, 2026. Cipla's ability to market the drug is contingent on obtaining ANDA approval.
Source
2020
Cipla recalls esomeprazole packets in the US
Cipla initiated a US recall of more than 580,000 packets of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release oral suspension after the USFDA cited cross-contamination with theophylline. The USFDA classified it as a Class II recall.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Acquisition of Ivia Beaute’s personal-care businessM&A
Background
Cipla sought to broaden its presence in cosmetics and personal-care distribution.
Action taken
The company acquired Ivia Beaute Private Limited’s cosmetics and personal-care distribution and marketing business.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Cipla’s consumer-health and personal-care exposure.
Source
2020
Licensed remdesivir launch in IndiaProduct launch
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic created urgent demand for medicines used in the treatment of seriously ill patients.
Action taken
Following a voluntary license from Gilead Sciences and Indian regulatory approval for restricted emergency use, Cipla launched remdesivir under the CIPREMI brand.
Aftermath
CIPREMI became part of India’s emergency COVID-19 treatment supply during the pandemic.
Source
2015
Acquisition of InvaGen and ExelanM&A
Background
Cipla sought to strengthen its presence in the U.S. pharmaceutical market.
Action taken
Cipla acquired InvaGen Pharmaceuticals and Exelan Pharmaceuticals.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Cipla’s American generics platform.
Source
2006
Lower-priced oseltamivir initiativeProduct launch
Background
Concerns about avian influenza increased demand for access to antiviral medicines associated with pandemic preparedness.
Action taken
Cipla reverse-engineered oseltamivir and sought to supply it at a lower price.
Aftermath
The initiative reinforced Cipla’s public-health and generic-manufacturing profile during an infectious-disease emergency.
Source
2000
Low-cost antiretroviral pricing strategyPrice change
Background
The HIV/AIDS crisis created severe treatment-access problems, particularly in African countries, while branded combination therapies were unaffordable for many patients and public-health systems.
Action taken
Cipla developed a generic three-drug antiretroviral combination and offered it to African charities and governments at a substantially lower annual price.
Aftermath
The offer drew international attention to generic competition and contributed to pressure for lower HIV-treatment prices and wider access.
Approximate annual treatment price cited in reference material. USD 12000 → USD 304 (Early 2000s)
Source
1960
Support for India’s process-patent pharmaceutical modelStrategy
Background
Cipla’s manufacture of propranolol without the foreign patent holder’s permission became part of the debate over pharmaceutical patent policy in India.
Action taken
The company advocated a system in which patents covered manufacturing processes rather than directly covering pharmaceutical products, enabling Indian firms to make medicines through alternative processes.
Aftermath
The policy environment helped India’s generic industry expand, although India later reinstated pharmaceutical product patents in 2005.
Source

Recent events

2021-12-15
Cipla acquires up to 33% interest in Clean Max Auriga Power[7]Cipla 收购 Clean Max Auriga Power 至多 33% 的权益equitybulls.com
Reported: 2021-12-15
Cipla announced that it had acquired up to a 33% partnership interest in Clean Max Auriga Power LLP, which is engaged in renewable energy generation and supply.
Unconfirmed
Cipla partners with Clensta for waterless technology products[8]Cipla与Clensta合作推广无水技术产品economictimes.indiatimes.com
Reported: 2021-09-02
Cipla partnered with Clensta International to market and distribute Clensta's waterless technology products. Cipla said it would conduct a marketing drive to educate prospective buyers.
Unconfirmed
Clensta announced an extension of its partnership with Cipla[9]Clensta宣布延长与Cipla的合作biospectrumindia.com
Clensta International announced an extension of its marketing and distribution partnership with Cipla for Clensta's waterless technology products.
2021-06-10
Cipla recalls 7,228 bottles of Solifenacin Succinate tablets in the US[5]Cipla recalls 7,228 bottles of Solifenacin Succinate tablets in the USeconomictimes.indiatimes.com
Reported: 2021-07-25
Cipla initiated a US recall of 7,228 bottles of 10 mg, 30-count Solifenacin Succinate tablets because of current good manufacturing practices deviations. The USFDA classified it as a Class II recall.
2021-05-20
Cipla announces ViraGen test kit launch[10]Cipla 宣布推出 ViraGen 检测试剂盒businesstoday.in
Reported: 2021-05-20
Cipla announced that it would market and distribute its ViraGen COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit in India starting May 25, 2021; the kit had been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
2021-05-20
Cipla and Ubio Technologies partner on COVID-19 test kit[10]Cipla 宣布推出 ViraGen 检测试剂盒businesstoday.in
Reported: 2021-05-20
Cipla teamed up with Ubio Technologies Biotechnology Systems to launch the ViraGen COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit in India.
2021-05-10
Cipla signs baricitinib licensing agreement with Eli Lilly[11]Cipla 与礼来签署巴瑞替尼许可协议business-standard.com
Reported: 2021-05-10
Cipla announced that it signed a royalty-free, non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Eli Lilly for the manufacture and commercialization of baricitinib for COVID-19 in India.
2021-03-23
Cipla and SIGA announce strategic partnership[12]Cipla与SIGA宣布战略合作business-standard.com
Reported: 2021-03-23
Cipla and SIGA Technologies announced a strategic partnership to deliver sustained innovation and access to novel antibacterial drugs, particularly against biothreats.
2021-03-02
Cipla Gulf expands biosimilar partnership with Alvotech[13]Cipla Gulf与Alvotech扩大生物类似药合作business-standard.com
Reported: 2021-03-02
Cipla announced that its subsidiary Cipla Gulf was expanding its partnership with Alvotech to commercialize and distribute four biosimilar medicines in Australia and New Zealand. Alvotech develops and manufactures the products, and Cipla Gulf handles commercialization and distribution.
2020-12-17
Cipla recalls esomeprazole packets in the US[6]Cipla recalls esomeprazole packets in the USbusinesstoday.in
Reported: 2021-01-10
Cipla initiated a US recall of more than 580,000 packets of esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release oral suspension after the USFDA cited cross-contamination with theophylline. The USFDA classified it as a Class II recall.

Showing the 10 most recent.