Whalesbook
Cardiac Segment Surges to Top Pharma Sales in 2025
Medicines for heart ailments recorded the highest sales in India during 2025, a trend expected to persist. Data from market research firm PharmaTrac indicates a robust 13% growth in the cardiac segment. This surge is attributed to India's escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and heart failure.
Growth Drivers and Segment Performance
Sheetal Sapale, VP, Commercial at PharmaTrac, highlighted that earlier diagnoses, a younger susceptible demographic, and extended treatment durations are contributing factors. All sub-segments within cardiac therapies, such as lipid-lowering drugs, anti-hypertensives, and heart failure treatments, demonstrated strong growth. The cardiac segment achieved an 11% five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching ₹33,115 crore in value by December 2025. This segment is forecast to maintain a steady 12-13% growth rate this year.
Respiratory and Other Segments
Respiratory drugs secured the second-highest sales position, registering 10% growth last year and an 8% five-year CAGR. Rising pollution levels and urban lifestyles are cited as drivers for chronic respiratory conditions. Inhaled corticosteroids and LABA/LAMA combinations are gaining traction. Nasal preparations, anti-asthma, and cold and cough treatments saw between 5-12% growth.
The anti-diabetic and neurology/CNS therapy segments each clocked a 9.4% growth. Neurology/CNS therapies experienced a 9% increase, driven by heightened mental health awareness and improved patient adherence to long-term treatments.
Market Outlook
Sales of pain and analgesic segments, however, witnessed a slowdown. This normalization follows post-Covid mobility increases and a reduction in elective surgeries. Looking ahead to 2026, the analysis predicts continued growth led by cardiac (12-13%), anti-diabetic (10-11%), neurology (9-10%), and respiratory (8-9%) therapy areas.