By Aparna Deb,News18
Copyright news18
India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is preparing for a major fundraising drive through initial public offerings (IPOs), with companies looking to raise an estimated Rs 12,000–13,000 crore over the next six to nine months, the Economic Times reported.
15 Companies in the Pipeline
According to ET, as many as 15 companies from the sector are expected to hit the primary market soon. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) currently has draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs) from Indira IVF, which refiled in July for an IPO of around Rs 3,500 crore, and Sahajanand Medical Technologies, which is targeting Rs 1,500 crore.
Other notable filings include NephroPlus (Rs 2,000 crore), Molbio Diagnostics (Rs 200 crore) and Cotec Healthcare (Rs 500 crore). Sudeep Pharma, which filed draft papers in June, plans to raise Rs 95 crore, while Gaudium IVF and Women Health is expected to refile for an issue size of around Rs 500 crore.
Key Approvals Already Secured
Several companies have already secured Sebi’s nod. Rubicon Research plans to raise Rs 1,085 crore, while Corona Remedies is aiming for Rs 800 crore. Paramesu Biotech (Rs 600 crore), Allchem Lifesciences (Rs 190 crore), Paras Healthcare (Rs 900 crore), Veeda Clinical Research (Rs 500 crore) and Gujarat Kidney and Superspeciality Hospital (Rs 128 crore) are also preparing for launches. Genetix Biotech is expected to file soon.
Fertility and Women’s Health in Focus
The flurry of activity highlights rising investor interest in fertility and women’s health. “We are seeing a strategic shift, particularly within the assisted reproductive technology (ART) sector,” said Saurav Chaube, research analyst at Samco Securities, to ET. He pointed to rising infertility awareness, favourable demographics, and a projected 15% CAGR over the next decade as key drivers.
Chaube added that companies like Indira IVF and Gaudium IVF have opted for the confidential filing route, reflecting a maturing market where issuers seek to reduce early scrutiny and litigation risks.
Macro Trends Support Fundraising
Broader global trends are also boosting the sector’s appeal. Samir Bahl, chief executive of Anand Rathi Advisors, told ET that pharma and healthcare remain in sharp investor focus since Covid-19, with India and the US scaling up investments in biotech and pharma innovation.
“As supply chains diversify away from China, Indian pharma companies are well placed to leverage their cost advantage, expand exports, and raise capital for biosimilars and specialty drugs,” Bahl said. He added that high price-to-earnings ratios signal strong valuations and sustained investor interest.