Aurobindo Pharma, founded in 1986, is emerged as a knowledge-driven company manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulation products. Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, the company is an integrated global pharmaceutical major operating in many countries. The company commenced operations in 1988-89 with a single unit manufacturing Semi-Synthetic Penicillin (SSP) at Pondicherry. The company became a public company in 1992 and listed its shares on the Indian stock exchanges in 1995. In addition to being the market leader in Semi-Synthetic Penicillin’s, it has a presence in key therapeutic segments such as neurosciences (CNS), cardiovascular (CVS), anti-retroviral, anti-diabetics, gastroenterology and Anti-biotics.
The company is involved in developing, manufacturing, and commercialising a variety of generics, specialty products and injectables, API and complex offerings, including biosimilars, vaccines, peptides, and metered dose inhalers globally. The company is renowned as one of the India's leading contributors to the global pharmaceutical sector. The company’s extensive reach enables it to understand diverse consumer needs and strengthen its ability to bring agile solutions to millions of patients. With a strong R&D focus and a multi-product portfolio, the company established some state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities in several countries. The company’s manufacturing facilities are approved by leading regulatory agencies, including the US FDA, UK MHRA, EDQM, Japan PMDA, WHO, Health Canada, South Africa MCC, and Brazil ANVISA.
Business area of the company
Aurobindo Pharma is one of the leading vertically integrated formulations & API manufacturing companies in the world. It has a strong R&D focus and has a multi-product portfolio with manufacturing facilities in several countries. The company operates diversified businesses, structured to deliver targeted healthcare solutions across geographies and therapeutic areas. Its core operations are built on strong, integrated capabilities, encompassing both APIs and finished products. The company is one of the leading API manufacturers, with expertise in process chemistry and having the advantage of large-scale production. It is recognised globally for high-quality, reliable and cost-effective supplies. Its API business caters to both internal needs and external client demand across multiple therapeutic areas, driving profitability and sustaining the growth of its formulations area.
Diverse product portfolio
- Biosimilars
- Dermatology
- Respiratory
- Injectables
- Vaccines
- Peptides
- Oncology and hormones
Awards & Accolades
2015-16:
The company was honoured in January 2016, the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association IDMA Margi Memorial Best Process Patent Award 2014-15 for three US patents.
The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) conferred upon the company a
Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of commendable contribution in bulk/APIs category.
The Chief Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax, Hyderabad felicitated the company in February 2016 for outstanding performance during the financial year 2014-15.
2016-17:
Certificate of Honor in the category of Excellence in HR by CPhI India & UBM India for the initiatives taken for e-learning, skill development, HR automation, talent engagement, leadership competencies & its integration with HR sub-systems.
Certificate of Appreciation in the 12th edition of BML Munjal Awards for Excellence in Learning & Development.
Received an award for Most Consistent IR (Investor Relations) Practice in Large Cap category for 2016-17 conducted by KPMG, BSE, Bloomberg and IR Society.
Winner of the Clarivate Analytics India Innovation Awards 2016.
2017-18:
Received ‘Pharmexcil Outstanding Exports Award 2016- 17’ in the category of highest Number of ANDAs filed in the calendar year 2016.
Bagged two Awards in ‘Excellence in Skill Development’ & ‘Excellence in Pharma Digital Innovation’ for the 2nd time in row at the India Pharma Awards 2017 in South-Asia’s largest pharmaceutical event- CPhI& PMEC India.
Won the ‘IDMA MARGI MEMORIAL BEST PROCESS PATENTS AWARD 2016-17’ (for 2 Indian & 1 US Granted patents; supported by several other patent applications filed during the said year) awarded by Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association.
Received ‘2017 Business Award; from The East Windsor Township for best community enhancement contributions in East Windsor Township.
Aurobindo’s Unit 15 at Parawada - Vizag awarded by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for best management award in manufacturing sector.
2018-19:
Aurobindo has been awarded IP Excellence in INDIA 2018 by Questel Orbit INC, as a part of their Indian IP Awards, 2018. The Indian IP Awards are given to facilitate best professionals across the IP (Intellectual Property) Industry.
Bagged award for the category of Best CSR Practices in Responsible Business Awards hosted by World CSR Day.
Bagged the 'Outstanding Export Award for FY2017-18' conducted by Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).
Received ‘IDMA Best API Patents Award 2017- 18’ conducted by Indian Drug Manufacturers association.
The Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) has felicitated Aurobindo with HR Best Practices Awards-2018 in the category of Large-Scale Industries.
2019-20:
Bagged the coveted 14th National BML Munjal Award for ’Business Excellence through Learning & Development’ in the Private Sector Manufacturing category from Bharat Ratna Pranab Mukherjee, Former President of India.
Aurobindo Unit-III has bagged the Special Commendation Award in the Golden Peacock Environmental Management Awards 2019 from the Institute of Directors (IOD). These awards are regarded as a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide.
Aurobindo has been awarded as Best Energy Efficient Organization under Large Scale Industry Category in CII’s 4th edition of National Energy Efficiency Circle Competition.
2020-21:
- Regional award (Telangana) for Promoting Health in the workplace & Innovative HR Practices in the Pharma space by World HRD congress.
- National Best Employer of the Year 2020 by World HRD Congress & Economic times.
- Innovation in Employee Engagement & Most Collaborative Hiring Team by Transformance Forums.
- Aurobindo Pharma Limited has won 3 awards in India Packaging Award-2020 conducted by Innopack Pharma Confex (formerly known as UBM India).
2021-22:
- Excellence in Business Partnering, Economic Times Human Capital Awards.
- Significant Achievement in HR Excellence, 12th CII National HR Excellence Award.
- Transformance Forums “HR Innovation & Tech Fest 2021” winner in the categories of ‘Most Collaborative Hiring Team’ and ‘Innovation in Employee Engagement’.
- Aurobindo Pharma, Unit XIV, Visakhapatnam was adjudged the ‘WINNER of Golden Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award - 2021’ conducted by The Institute of Directors (IOD).
2022-23:
- Significant Achievement in HR Excellence, 13th CII National HR Excellence Award, 2022.
- Excellence in Business Partnering, Economic Times Human Capital Awards, 2022.
- IKON Talent Acquisition Awards – HR Guru, 2022.
- ‘L&D Excellence’ and ‘Best L&D Team’ in 12th Edition Learning and development Summit & Awards 2023 organised by UBS FORUMS.
2023-24:
- ‘L&D Excellence’ and ‘Best L&D Team’ in 12th Edition Learning and development Summit & Awards 2023 organised by UBS FORUMS.
- Felicitated by Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India - 2023 for Outstanding Contribution in India’s Pharmaceutical Export.
2024-25:
- Energy-Efficient Unit – Apitoria, Unit I was recognised with the 25th National Award on ‘energy Excellence and energy-efficient units’ by CII.
- Energy-Efficient Unit, General Sector 1 – Apitoria, Unit 3 was recognised with the 25th National Award on ‘energy Excellence and energy-efficient units’ by CII.
- Excellent Energy-Efficient Unit and Most Innovative Project - Apitoria, Unit 4 was recognised with the 25th National Award on ‘energy Excellence and energy-efficient units’ by CII.
- Excellent Energy-Efficient Unit and Most Innovative Project - Apitoria, Unit 5 was recognised with the 25th National Award on ‘energy Excellence and energy-efficient units’ by CII.
- Diamond Rating in Pharmaceutical & FMCG Category 9th CII National 5S Excellence Awards 2024 - Apitoria, Unit 4.
- Silver Award in the 17th edition of CII-EHS Excellence Award 2024 – Apitoria, Unit 5
- Industrial Safety Leadership Bronze Award in Pharmaceutical, Drugs, Healthcare category from CII - Apitoria, Unit 7.
Major Events and Milestones
1986: Aurobindo Pharma (APL) one of the world’s top 5 manufacturers of semi synthetic penicillins was incorporated in December 26, 1986 as a private limited company by P.V.Ramprasad Reddy and K.Nityananda Reddy.
1988-1989: Commenced operations with a single unit manufacturing semi synthetic penicillins (SSPs) at Pondicherry.
1992-1993: Another unit was established for the manufacture of CMIC Chloride, a bulk drug intermediate, at pashmylaram near Hyderabad.
1994-1995: Merged with Chaitanya Organics. Commercial production of the pharmaceutical formulation unit started in April.
1994-1995: Aurobindo Pharma became a public company in 1995.
1997-1998: Glaxo (India) the Indian subsidiary of the UK-based multinational formed an alliance with the company to meet its global bulk drug requirements.
1999-2000: Diversified product portfolio further with the introduction of wide range of Cephalosporins (Oral & Sterile) and anti – virals in addition to macrolides, anti-ulcerants, quinolones, semi-synthetic penicillins, and formulations for domestic and export market.
1999-2000: Joint Ventures launched for formulations business in US.
1999-2000: Sri Chakra Remedies was amalgamated with the company.
2001-2002: Launched an exclusive anti-viral division Immune to educate and to provide preventive drug care for HIV/AIDS patients in the country.
2001-2002: Launched two more drugs in 2001 namely Efavirenz (Viranz) and Nelfinavir (NELVEX) for the treatment of AIDS.
2001-2002: Acquired 79% stake in Ranit Pharma Company under the same management. Ranit Pharma and Calc Private were amalgamated with APL as of April 1, 2002.
2003-2004: JV between APL and Shanxi Tongling Pharmaceuticals launched under the name Aurobindo Tongling (Datong) pharmaceuticals China.
2003-2004: Aurobindo’s 100% subsidiary company in China commenced commercial production.
2003-2004: Aurobindo received its first Certificate of Suitability (CoS) approval from the European Directorate for Quality Medicines (EDQM).
2004-2005: Acquired a sterile plant of Dee Pharma.
2004-2005: The State Labour Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh awarded Aurobindo the ‘Best Management Award’ in 2005 for the company’s contributions towards community development, harmonious employee relations and employee welfare.
2004-2005: US FDA unit of US Department of Health and Human Science approved the company’s Unit VIII facility and received US FDA clearance for AIDS drugs.
2005-2006: Aurobindo made a strategic entry into the premium markets of USA & Europe with generic formulations, participating in the PEPFAR program initiated by the Government of USA.
2005-2006: APL acquired UK based Milpharm Limited, engaged in marketing generic formulations in the UK market.
2007-2008: Aurobindo unveiled a new Logo and Corporate Identity at a ceremony in Hyderabad. The new corporate logo reflects the company’s pace of innovation and its industry leadership.
2007-2008: Acquired intellectual property & marketing authorizations with TAD Italy, a generic company registered in Italy, to get an access to more than 70 ready to market products.
2010-2011: Entered into licensing and supply agreements with AstraZeneca, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies to supply several solid dosage and sterile products for emerging markets.
2010-2011: Agreement signed with China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (Sinopharm) to divest a majority stake in subsidiary company Aurobindo (Datong) Bio Pharma Co China (ADBPL).
2014 -2016: Acquired certain commercial operations in Western Europe from Actavis Plc., a global, integrated specialty pharmaceutical company.
2014 -2016: Acquired assets of nutritional supplement maker Natrol Inc. and other affiliate entities (Natrol) through its wholly owned subsidiary Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc. (APUSA).
2014 -2016: Arrow Generiques SAS, a French subsidiary of APL announced the signing of an agreement to acquire the rights title and interest in its products Calcium and Calcium Vitamin D3 in France including the use of the OROCAL trademark from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
2017-2018: Signed a definitive agreement to acquire dermatology and oral solids businesses from Sandoz Inc., USA.
2017-2018: Signed a definitive agreement to acquire Apotex Inc’s commercial operations in 5 European countries.
2017-2018: Started filing Oncology & Hormones, Dermatology and Nasal ANDAs in US.
2017-2018: Acquired Generis in Portugal - Focus on differentiated technology platforms and Specialty Pharmaceuticals.
2017-2018: Acquired four cell-culture derived biosimilar products from TL Biopharmaceutical AG.
2018-19: Signs a definitive agreement to acquire Apotex’ Businesses in Poland, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium.
2019-20: Receives USFDA Approval for Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets (OTC).
2019-20: The company’s JV Eugia Pharma receives USFDA Approval for Methotrexate Tablets
2021: Started Phase III clinical trials for PCV.
2021: Acquired 9 OTC brands.
2021: Filed the first biosimilar with the European Medical Agency (EMA).
2022: Entered domestic market by acquiring Veritaz Healthcare Ltd.
2022: Acquired 51% stake in Hyderabad based oncology player GLS Pharma.
2023: Announced acquisition of the branded portfolio of Viatris/Pfizer in Indonesia.
2024: Acquisition of remaining stake in GLS Pharma.
2024: Inauguration of Lyfius Pharma by Honorable PM Narendra Modi Ji
2024: EU GMP approval to CuraTeQ.
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