Cipla, Natco, Hetero, and Annora Secure Major Generic Drug Contracts in China

In a major win for India’s pharmaceutical sector, Cipla, Natco Pharma, Hetero Labs, and Annora Pharma have been awarded contracts under China’s Volume-Based Procurement (VBP) program to supply key generic medicines to public hospitals. The achievement strengthens India’s foothold in one of the world’s most competitive and regulated pharmaceutical markets.

Expanding Indian Presence in Chinese Market

Hetero Labs and Cipla will supply Dapagliflozin, a leading diabetes drug, across selected Chinese provinces. Annora Pharma will deliver Oxcarbazepine tablets for epilepsy treatment, while Natco Pharma has secured the supply of Olaparib, a cancer therapy. The contracts represent an important milestone in India’s growing role as a trusted partner in global healthcare supply chains.

Strategic Impact of China’s VBP Program

China’s latest VBP round included 55 drugs across key therapeutic areas such as oncology, anti-infectives, and allergy care, with 272 companies and 453 products pre-qualified. By pooling hospital demand, the program helps reduce healthcare costs and improve drug accessibility. With Dapagliflozin’s public hospital sales at RMB 5.35 billion (USD 700 million) in 2024, the deal highlights the scale and opportunity of China’s centralized procurement model.