Can CPHL dominate Pakistan’s growing antibiotic sector?

Key takeaways

• Pakistan’s antibiotic market is valued at Rs185 billion, growing 12% YoY in FY25.
• CPHL is set to launch four new antibiotics to tap into this high-growth sector.
• The new products include Triaxonecit (Ceftriaxone sodium), Floxcip (Ciprofloxacin HCL), Cefask (Cefixime trihydrate), and Lenon (Levofloxacin).
• CPHL aims to capture market share in key antibiotic segments, dominated by SAMI, Getz Pharma, and Barrett Hodgson.
• These new launches will help strengthen CPHL’s presence in the retail pharmaceutical sector.

CPHL enters Pakistan’s Rs185 billion antibiotic market

The Pakistani pharmaceutical industry continues to expand, with the antibiotic segment alone valued at Rs185 billion in FY25. With 12% YoY growth, the sector presents a massive opportunity for pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their market share.

To capture this demand, Citi Pharma Limited (CPHL) is launching four new antibiotics, strategically targeting high-demand bacterial infections. These include Triaxonecit (Ceftriaxone sodium), Floxcip (Ciprofloxacin HCL), Cefask (Cefixime trihydrate), and Lenon (Levofloxacin).

CPHL’s new antibiotic portfolio

1. Triaxonecit (Ceftriaxone Sodium) – Targeting Severe Bacterial Infections

Ceftriaxone sodium is a widely used antibiotic for treating pneumonia, meningitis, blood infections, and urinary tract infections. The total market size for this molecule is Rs27.5 billion. Among the leading brands, SAMI’s Oxdil holds a 26% market share, followed by Macter’s Titan brand with 9%.

By introducing Triaxonecit, CPHL aims to compete with established brands in the injectable antibiotics segment.

2. Floxcip (Ciprofloxacin HCL) – A Powerful Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic

Ciprofloxacin is used for severe infections that do not respond to other antibiotics. It is available in pill and intravenous (IV) forms, with a total market size of Rs16 billion.

The segment leader is SAMI’s Novidat, which dominates the market. With the launch of Floxcip, CPHL is entering a high-demand antibiotic category that treats a variety of bacterial infections.

3. Cefask (Cefixime Trihydrate) – Fighting Respiratory & Urinary Tract Infections

Cefixime trihydrate is a widely prescribed antibiotic for ear infections, throat infections, UTIs, and pneumonia. The total market for this segment is Rs22 billion.

Barrett Hodgson’s Cepsan leads with an 18% market share, while SAMI’s Caricef holds 17%. CPHL’s Cefask aims to capture a portion of this high-growth market segment, offering a cost-effective alternative to existing brands.

4. Lenon (Levofloxacin) – Targeting Respiratory Infections

Levofloxacin is a widely used respiratory antibiotic, with a market size of Rs6 billion. Getz Pharma’s Leflox leads the segment with a 29% share, followed by High-Q’s Levo (9%).

With Lenon, CPHL is aiming to expand into the levofloxacin market, leveraging its retail expansion strategy to compete with leading pharmaceutical brands.

Why CPHL’s Antibiotic Expansion Matters

CPHL’s foray into the antibiotic market is a strategic move that aligns with its retail expansion plans. By introducing widely used, high-demand antibiotics, the company is set to:

• Strengthen its market position in the retail pharmaceutical segment.
• Compete with major players like SAMI, Getz Pharma, and Barrett Hodgson.
• Leverage Pakistan’s growing antibiotic demand, fueled by rising bacterial infections and increasing prescriptions.

CPHL’s entry into Pakistan’s Rs185 billion antibiotic market is a bold step toward establishing itself in the retail pharmaceutical sector. With the launch of four key antibiotics, the company is poised to challenge industry leaders and capture a share of this high-growth market.

As CPHL continues to expand its product portfolio, its focus on high-demand therapeutic segments will play a crucial role in driving future growth and profitability.

Source: Sherman Research