2024’s Top-Selling Cancer Drug in India: AstraZeneca’s Enhertu
The AstraZeneca cancer medicine Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) generated Rs 58 crore in sales during its first year in India making it the top-selling new drug of 2024. The remarkable sales numbers demonstrate both healthcare provider acceptance of this drug and the rising prevalence of cancer throughout India. The success of Enhertu demonstrates market trends toward modern cancer therapies because healthcare needs more powerful treatment options.
According to data from IQVIA, over 3,100 new pharmaceutical brands were introduced in 2024 collectively generating Rs 1,097 crore in sales. The total market for newly launched drugs reflects a clear trend toward expanding treatment options for prevalent diseases in India. Enhertu topped the list, followed closely by Sun Pharma, which generated Rs 50 crore from 18 brands, and Dr. Reddy’s, which achieved Rs 45 crore from 51 brands. Market research indicates that Indian customers have increasingly adopted oncology treatments and cardiac and anti-diabetic medications.
Leading Therapy Categories in 2024: Cardiac and Anti-Diabetic Drugs
The cardiac, anti-diabetic and vitamins & minerals sectors witnessed the largest number of new brand introductions in 2024. These therapeutic areas align with the country’s ongoing health challenges. India’s growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has led to a surge in demand for treatments in these areas. The therapeutic direction adjustment is visible through the numerous new brands that appear in these segments.
Newly launched gastrointestinal drugs accounted for the highest market sales milestone at Rs 167 crore through 394 brands. The anti-neoplast/immunomodulator category in cancer therapy generated 150 crore rupees through 94 brands after gastrointestinal treatments. More than 505 new brands resulted in Rs 126 crore of vitamin and mineral sales. New therapeutic subdivisions maintain sales momentum because they treat India’s chronic and emerging healthcare conditions.
Growth of India’s Pharmaceutical Market
The Indian pharmaceutical market demonstrates strong vitality through Rs 2.2 lakh crore total value and its continuous growth rate reaching over 8% for 2024. Price increases, new product releases, and moderate volume expansion drive the pharmaceutical market forward. The January 2024 market showed a 5% increase from price hikes and new product launches, providing 2.6% of the market value. Volume growth accounted for just 0.9%.
Among the top-selling drugs in the Indian pharmaceutical market, GSK’s Augmentin continues to hold the top position, with monthly sales of Rs 75-80 crore. Other segments, such as cardiac, gastrointestinal, vitamins, neuro, and dermatology, saw higher-than-average growth, contributing to the overall upward trajectory of the market. In contrast, segments like anti-infectives, anti-diabetic, and respiratory therapies showed slower growth during the same period.
