Tirzepatide and semaglutide dominate India's anti-obesity drug market, holding a 75% share. While seen as vital tools by doctors, experts caution against misuse, particularly among young adults. Aggressive marketing and social media trends are fueling peer pressure, potentially leading to inappropriate use of these weight-loss medications.

Manipal Hospitals is securing 5,300 crore from foreign banks. This funding supports its acquisition of Sahyadri Hospitals. Deutsche Bank, Barclays, MUFG, SMBC, and DBS Bank are providing the debt. The total deal is around 5,900 crore. Manipal will issue bonds maturing in two years. An IPO is planned for 2026.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised the prices of 71 essential drug formulations, encompassing treatments for metastatic breast cancer, diabetes, peptic ulcers, and severe infections. This revision aims to ensure affordability and accessibility of these crucial medicines. Retailers are now mandated to display the updated price lists for transparency and consumer awareness.

Marengo Asia Healthcare, supported by Samara Capital and others, is set to expand into Maharashtra and Rajasthan with a 150 crore investment. The multi-specialty hospital platform aims to double its bed capacity from 1,500 to 3,000 by next year through strategic acquisitions and expansion of existing facilities, solidifying its position as a top healthcare leader in North and West India.

India's pharmaceutical industry is targeting $1 trillion in drug exports by 2030, with biosimilars expected to be a major growth driver. The biosimilars market could exceed $60 billion by 2030, supported by Indian firms investing in biologics and advanced markets. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaboration and a focus on innovation-driven categories.

Doctors at PGIMER Chandigarh have achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully performing India's first robot-assisted vasovasostomy. The urology team, led by Dr. Aditya Prakash Sharma, used the da Vinci Surgical System for enhanced precision in the male infertility surgery. This innovative approach offers new hope for couples seeking natural conception after vasectomy, marking a significant advancement in andrology and microsurgery.

Manipal Health Enterprises, backed by Temasek and TPG Capital, has acquired Sahyadri Hospitals from Ontario Teachers Pension Plan for 6,400 crore, strengthening its presence in Western India. This acquisition will increase Manipal's bed count to 12,000 nationwide. OTPP made a 2.6 times return on its investment in Sahyadri, which operates 11 facilities across Maharashtra.

Nectar Lifesciences will sell its active pharmaceutical ingredients, formulation, and menthol business assets to Ceph Lifesciences for 1,290 crore. This strategic move involves a Business Transfer Agreement for the core API and formulation business at 1,270 crore and an Asset Purchase Agreement for the menthol business at 20 crore.

Apollo Hospitals is demerging its omnichannel pharma and digital health businesses into a new entity, aiming for a separate listing. This move creates India's largest omnichannel pharmacy platform with a revenue target of 25,000 crore by FY27. The promoter family will hold approximately 36.5% in the new company, with Shobana Kamineni as the executive chairperson.

The achievement of that goal in India, which ranks third in obesity numbers after the US and China, will shatter the record for prescription brand sales. Keytruda, a breakthrough anti-cancer drug from MSD India (part of the US Merck group), is currently the No. 1 in prescription brands, with annual revenue exceeding Rs 1,600 crore, according to market sources.

Urban India witnesses a surge in dermatology clinic visits, driven by teenagers and young adults seeking solutions for everyday skin concerns beyond chronic conditions. Social media influence and access to information fuel this trend, with consumers actively choosing science-backed skincare. This shift reflects a broader movement towards evidence-based self-care, impacting the skincare market and prompting early dermatologist visits.