Unichem Laboratories Limited is a prominent Indian international, integrated, and specialty pharmaceutical company. Its core focus lies in product development, process chemistry, and the manufacturing of complex Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms. Headquartered in Mumbai, Unichem manufactures and markets pharmaceutical formulations globally, including in highly regulated markets like the USA and Europe.
Founded in 1944 by Padma Bhushan Amrut V. Mody, a pioneer in the Indian pharmaceuticals sector, the company had its initial public offering in 1963, after its registration in 1962. Unichem Laboratories is listed on both BSE Limited and NSE Limited. Over eight decades, it has evolved into a significant player within the global pharmaceutical industry.
Unichem Laboratories Ltd. boasts a market capitalization of ₹4,293 Crores as of June 2025. The company has demonstrated significant financial improvement in recent periods.
- Q4 FY25 Performance: Net profit for the quarter ended March 2025 was ₹52.97 Crores, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of ₹129.31 Crores in the previous quarter ended March 2024. Revenue saw a 36.02% increase, reaching ₹587.18 Crores in Q4 FY25 compared to ₹431.70 Crores in Q4 FY24.
- Full Year FY25 Performance: The company achieved a strong recovery for the full fiscal year ending March 2025, reporting a net profit of ₹137.52 Crores, a significant improvement from a net loss of ₹93.76 Crores in FY24. Revenue for FY25 rose by 18.25% to ₹2,110.97 Crores from ₹1,785.11 Crores in FY24.
- Revenue for FY25: ₹2,110.97 Crores (up 18.25% YoY)
- Net Profit for FY25: ₹137.52 Crores (vs. net loss of ₹93.76 Crores in FY24)
- Q4 FY25 Revenue: ₹587.18 Crores (up 36.02% YoY)
- Q4 FY25 Net Profit: ₹52.97 Crores (vs. net loss of ₹129.31 Crores in Q4 FY24)
Unichem manufactures and markets pharmaceutical formulations, including branded generics and generics, across various global markets. Its product portfolio addresses diverse therapeutic areas such as gastroenterology, cardiology, diabetology, psychiatry, neurology, anti-bacterials, anti-infectives, and pain management.
The company operates a comprehensive manufacturing network across India. Its Formulations manufacturing facilities are strategically located in Goa, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh). Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities are situated in Roha (Maharashtra), Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh), and Kolhapur (Maharashtra).
Notably, the Goa, Ghaziabad, Roha, Pithampur, and Kolhapur sites are USFDA approved. All manufacturing plants also hold approvals from other major international health authorities. The Roha Plant, Unichem's flagship API facility, located 150 km from Mumbai in a Chemical Zone, has expanded over four decades to include eight multipurpose production blocks.
Unichem Laboratories operates a dedicated Research & Development (R&D) Centre in Goa. This centre is focused on developing New Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) for generic APIs and New Chemical Entities (NCEs), reverse-engineering API processes, drug discovery, and bio-catalysis. The company also possesses advanced capabilities in biotechnology research, with a functional Biotech R&D Centre and a Pilot Plant in Goa. Its bio-similar R&D is based on a recombinant DNA platform, with microbial fermentation and protein purification being key strengths.
Unichem's manufacturing facilities have earned approvals from numerous international health authorities, including:
- USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration)
- UK MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, UK)
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, Brazil)
- COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Mexico)
- PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Japan)
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia)
- SAPHRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority)
- MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korea)
- EDQM (European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines)
- TPD (Therapeutic Products Directorate, Canada)
The company has established a robust global presence with over 500 product registrations worldwide. It has filed more than 60 US ANDAs (Abbreviated New Drug Applications), with over 45 approved ANDAs, and more than 60 European submissions.
A significant corporate event occurred in FY23-24: Ipca Laboratories Limited acquired a substantial stake in Unichem Laboratories. Initially, Ipca acquired 2,35,01,440 equity shares (33.38% of the fully diluted voting share capital) from Dr. Prakash A. Mody, the Promoter & Director. Subsequently, on September 21, 2023, Ipca Laboratories Limited further acquired 1,35,79,571 equity shares through an open offer to public shareholders. As of March 31, 2024, Ipca Laboratories Limited held an aggregate of 3,70,81,011 equity shares, representing 52.67% of the total paid-up equity share capital. This transaction resulted in Ipca Laboratories Limited gaining majority control, and Unichem Laboratories Limited becoming a subsidiary of Ipca Laboratories Limited.
The promoter holding in Unichem Laboratories Ltd. remained stable at 70.22% as of March 2025, consistent with the 70.22% recorded in June 2024. This stable promoter holding suggests strong management confidence in the company's future prospects.
The USFDA conducted an inspection at the Company's Pithampur API facility. The inspection was classified as Voluntary Action Initiated (VAI), and the company received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR). This classification indicates no major regulatory concerns, which is a positive development for the company's international operations.
Unichem Laboratories continues to solidify its position in the global pharmaceutical industry by making strategic investments in manufacturing capabilities, research and development, and maintaining stringent regulatory compliance. The company's expertise in complex APIs and formulations, coupled with its extensive global regulatory approvals, positions it for sustained growth in both domestic and international markets.
