Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Limited (SPARC) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics to improve patient care globally. Established in 2006, SPARC focuses on the creation of novel drugs and advanced delivery systems, undertaking research and technology projects for new chemical entities (NCEs) and novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). Listed on NSE (SPARC) and BSE (532872), the company is continuously innovating new therapies in oncology, neurodegeneration, and immunology.
SPARC holds a distinctive position in the Indian pharmaceutical sector as the first publicly listed R&D-focused pharma company from India where the founders retain a significant 70% ownership and continue their investment. The company boasts a robust operational base with over 400 employees across three global locations and a vibrant research team of more than 350 scientists actively engaged in a diverse pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs.
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company currently holds a market capitalization of ₹5,196 crores based on recent market data. The company's financial performance has presented some challenges, with SPARC reporting a net loss of ₹59.77 crore in Q4 March 2025, compared to a net loss of ₹105.79 crore in Q4 March 2024. However, there are positive indicators, including a significant year-on-year increase in net sales by 64.19% to ₹27.19 crore in Q4 March 2025.
SPARC actively operates in global markets and has achieved notable regulatory successes. The company has secured approvals from the US FDA for various products, including ELEPSIA XR Levetiracetam extended-release tablets (1000 mg and 1500 mg), XELPROS Latanoprost BAKfree eyedrops, and XELPROS Latanoprost ophthalmic emulsion 0.005, the latter of which was in-licensed from Sun Pharma in 2015.
SPARC's oncology portfolio features several promising compounds undergoing various stages of development. Its primary oncology programs include vodobatinib (SCO-088), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting BCR-ABL for refractory chronic myelogenous leukemia, and an anti-MUC-1 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with potential applications in treating multiple cancers. Vodobatinib (SCO-088), a BCR-ABL inhibitor, is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of refractory chronic myelogenous leukemia.
A significant advancement in the company's oncology pipeline is SBO-154, a novel humanized MUC1-SEA-targeted ADC developed by SPARC for advanced solid tumors. SBO-154 exhibits high affinity binding to the SEA domain of MUC1 and functions by releasing its antimitotic payload post-internalization and cleavage. Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company has announced the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this compound.
In the neurology domain, SPARC is actively developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The company is working on Vodobatinib (SCC-138), a c-ABL inhibitor, which is in Phase 2 clinical trials for Parkinson's disease. It has also completed Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of Lewy body dementia and is in preclinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.
The immunology portfolio has recently encountered some challenges. Vibozilimod (SCD-044), a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) agonist intended for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, was in Phase 2 clinical trials. However, shares of Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company Ltd (SPARC) experienced a significant decline of nearly 20% following the announcement that Phase 2 clinical trials for Vibozilimod (SCD-044) failed to meet their primary endpoints of achieving a 75% improvement in both the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) by Week 16 for moderate-to-severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Additionally, SCD-153 is a topical agent under development for the treatment of alopecia areata.
SPARC has forged strategic partnerships for the commercialization of its products. In 2021, the company initiated the commercialization of ElepsiaTM XR through an agreement with Visiox Pharma, entitling SPARC to eligible milestone payments and royalties. SPARC also acquired exclusive rights for an antibody targeting a unique oncology target from Biomodifying. The company's approved products are currently marketed by commercial partners in the US, China, and India.
SPARC has also been proactive in establishing research collaborations, engaging with multiple US academic centers for joint development programs focused on novel biology in oncology, neurodegeneration, and immunology.
The core management team includes Dilip S Shanghvi, who serves as the Chairperson. Shanghvi Finance Private Limited and Dilip Shantilal Shanghvi are the principal promoters of Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company.
Despite the recent setback with the SCD-044 trials, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Co. has reassured investors that the discontinuation of these trials will not impact the company's financials. SPARC highlighted multiple promising assets within its pipeline, including SBO-154 and SCD-153, which are slated for advancement into clinical trials.
SPARC's value proposition is underpinned by its robust infrastructure designed to effectively translate therapies from laboratory research through clinical studies to regulatory approval. This operational capability has already resulted in the approval of two NDAs.
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company remains committed to advancing its diverse pipeline of innovative therapeutics across oncology, neurology, and immunology, solidifying its position as a key player in the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical sector, both in India and globally.
