Cipla Limited, an international pharmaceutical company founded and headquartered in Mumbai, India, has been a trailblazer in the healthcare industry since its inception in 1935. Established by Dr. K. A. Hamied, the company was initially named ‘The Chemical, Industrial & Pharmaceutical Laboratories,’ which was later shortened to Cipla Limited in 1984. Cipla’s primary objectives have always been to develop innovative formulas and create high-quality, affordable medications for everyone.
During World War II, India faced a severe shortage of drug supplies, prompting Cipla to produce high-quality chemicals in its factories. The company made significant strides in the pharmaceutical industry, becoming the first to produce ampicillin in India in 1968. Over the years, Cipla has achieved numerous medical breakthroughs, developing drugs to treat AIDS, cancer, asthma, and various pulmonary diseases. In 1985, Cipla became the first Indian pharmaceutical company to receive FDA approval after establishing a subsidiary in the United States.
Under the leadership of Y. Hamied, son of Cipla’s founder, the company has focused on creating generic drugs to treat populations in developing countries. In particular, Cipla has made significant contributions to addressing the HIV epidemic in African nations, where the cost of treatment was initially prohibitive at around USD 12,000 per year. Cipla’s efforts have made HIV medication 35 times more affordable, reducing the cost to just one dollar per day and helping over 15 million people in Africa.
Originally specializing in the production of generic drugs, Cipla has played a crucial role in creating the active ingredients used in brand-name medications. While sharing its knowledge with other companies, Cipla has insisted that the resulting drugs remain affordable for the masses. Over the past two decades, Cipla has focused on developing HIV/AIDS treatments, expanding its reach to encompass 60 therapeutic categories and launching approximately 1,500 medical products.
Cipla’s portfolio includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications, with a diverse range of products catering to various health concerns, from skin care and colds to depression and cancer. The company also manufactures agrochemicals and animal products, as well as 200 types of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in various medications. Over 300 foreign companies rely on Cipla’s APIs for their drug production.
In recent years, Cipla has been dedicated to expanding its global presence, setting up subsidiaries in Morocco, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Malaysia. The company aims to strengthen its key markets in India, South Africa, and other global economies. In the coming years, Cipla plans to invest around £100 million in its United Kingdom branch, further solidifying its commitment to making medicine accessible and affordable for all, regardless of their location or health condition.
