ZYDUSLIFE is a healthcare company with a long history that emerged in the 1950s. They provide accessible wellness solutions for a wide range of health issues. Over time, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd expanded its products and vision.
This company’s tale is about its commitment to humanity’s well-being, intertwined with the health of countless people.
Let us take a journey down memory lane and explore- Zydus Lifesciences History.
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd| Key Details and Financials
Zydus Lifesciences History
Founded in 1952 by Mr. Ramanbhai B. Patel, Zydus has grown steadily under the Zydus group since its restructuring in 1995.
From a modest turnover of Rs. 250 crores in 1995, the company’s financial stature has flourished, achieving a turnover of over Rs. 19,500 crores in FY-24.
Zydus now has more than 80 FDA-approved generic medicines in the US for various health issues.
Here’s their story:
In the early days:
- Back in the 1950s and 1960s, Cadila introduced Livirubra. It was a special innovative medicine in India for pernicious anaemia.
- In 1952, Cadila Laboratories Ltd. was founded by Mr. Ramanbhai B. Patel.
Cadila Laboratories Ltd. set a benchmark for quality and excellence throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Before the 2000s:
In 1995-1996, Zydus acquired Indo Pharma Pharmaceutical Works Ltd., marking its first step into acquisitions.
During the same period, Zydus launched 23 new products, including Falcigo, in India, investing Rs 250 crores.
In 1997-1998, Zydus formed a joint venture with BYK Gulden, a major German pharmaceutical company.
And they kept growing!
Then, in 1999-2000, Zydus went public with an initial public offering (IPO) and partnered with Sarabhai for animal healthcare.
Moving into the 2000s:
2000-2001- Zydus acquired Recon Healthcare. This served as a path into the southern markets.
Zydus Research Centre was established at Moraiya during the same period.
The biggest move came in 2000-2002 when Zydus Lifestyle Ltd. acquired German Remedies.
It was the largest M&A in Indian pharma back then.
Into the 21st century:
Zydus had already made significant expansions.
By 2001-2002, Zydus had acquired Aten and the USFDA-approved API plant, Banyan Chemicals.
During 2002-2003, Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. was established.
Then came the big move!
Zydus’s first international acquisition, Alpharma France, now Zydus France, happened in 2003-2004.
Zydus filed its first Investigational New Drug (IND) in India for ZYH11 in 2004-2005.
And the journey continued
In 2010-2011, Zydus hit the milestone of $1 billion in sales and entered into a 50:50 JV with Bayer.
Zydus also launched India’s first H1N1 vaccine, Vaxiflu – S, during the same period.
By 2016, it was supplying products in the US market and received approval for Phase II clinical trials of saroglitazar.
In 2017, it launched India’s first Tetravalent Inactivated Influenza vaccine.
A vision for the future
Fast forward to 2021, Zydus’s ZyCoV-D vaccine got Emergency Use Authorization in India, a big step in the fight against COVID-19.
In 2022, Zydus rebranded to Zydus Lifesciences Limited!
The company’s new brand identity brings together two hearts in purple and teal colours. They symbolize its commitment to science and innovation along with care and nurturance.
And the company continues to grow and expand!
ZYDUSLIFE History- Important Milestones
| Year | Achievements |
| Pre-2000 | – Introduced Livirubra, a treatment for pernicious anemia.- Established Cadila Laboratories Ltd. |
| 1995-1996 | – Acquired Indo Pharma Pharmaceutical Works Ltd- Launched 23 new products, including Falcigo. |
| 1997-1998 | – Formed a joint venture with BYK Gulden.<br> |
| 1999-2000 | – Made an initial public offering (IPO).<br>- Established a joint venture with Sarabhai. |
| 2000-2001 | – Acquired Recon Healthcare.<br>- Established Zydus Research Centre at Moraiya. |
| 2000-2002 | – Acquired German Remedies. |
| 2001-2002 | – Acquired Aten and Banyan Chemicals. |
| 2002-2003 | – Incorporated Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. |
| 2003-2004 | – Acquired Alpharma France, renamed as Zydus France. |
| 2004-2005 | – Filed the first Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ZYH11. |
| 2005-2006 | – Acquired a stake in Carnation Nutra Analogue Foods Ltd. |
| 2006-2007 | – Acquired Liva Healthcare and Nippon Universal. |
| 2007-2008 | – Entered the branded generic market of Brazil. |
| 2008-2009 | – Acquired Laboratorios Combix, Simayla Pharma, and Etna Biotech. |
| 2009-2010 | – Launched Oxalgin Nanogel. |
| 2010-2011 | – Achieved $1 billion in sales.- Formed a joint venture with Bayer.- Entered a strategic agreement with Abbott.- Launched Vaxiflu – S. |
| 2011-2012 | – Acquired Biochem, Bremer Pharma GmbH, and assets of Nesher Pharmaceuticals Inc.- Received USFDA approval for the Baddi manufacturing plant. |
| 2012-2013 | – Launched over 114 new products, including 31 first-in-India launches. |
| 2013 | – Received USFDA approval for Phase I clinical trials of ZYDPLA1. |
| 2014 | – Launched the world’s first biosimilar of adalimumab. |
| 2015 | – Initiated Phase III study of saroglitazar in NASH. |
| 2016 | – Acquired Zoetis- Partnered with Takeda.- Began supplying products in the US market.- Received USFDA approval for Phase II clinical trials of saroglitazar. |
| 2017 | – Acquired Sentynl Therapeutics Inc.- Launched VaxiFlu – 4.- Received regulatory approval of LipaglynTM.- Initiated Phase II trial of ZYAN1. |
| 2018 | – Acquired 51% stake in Windlas Healthcare.- Partnered with Medicure.- Zydus rebranded to Zydus Lifesciences Limited. |
| 2019 | – Received USFDA approval for rivastigmine transdermal system.- Completed the acquisition of Heinz India Private Limited. |
| 2020 | – Began supplying products from Liva facility in the US market.- Received USFDA approval for clinical trials of desidustat.- Granted fast-track designation for Saroglitazar Mg. |
| 2021 | – Granted Orphan Drug Designation for Saroglitazar Mg- ZyCoV-D vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization. |
| 2022 | – ZyCov-D vaccine granted Emergency Use Authorization in India.- Rebranded to Zydus Lifesciences Limited. |
About Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.
With over 72 years of experience in healthcare, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. serves lots of people worldwide. Formerly known as Cadila Healthcare Ltd., this company is headquartered in Ahmedabad, India.
Zydus Lifesciences Limited currently ranks 4th in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.
What’s more?
It offers research facilities across India, the US, and Brazil.
Zydus is a key player in regulated markets like the US and Europe, as well as in prominent regions such as Latin America and South Africa. Additionally, it holds a significant presence in 25 emerging markets worldwide.
From formulations to active pharmaceutical ingredients, animal healthcare, and wellness products, Zydus Lifescience’s history is rich.
You may also want to know the Biocon Company History
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd: Driving Healthcare Innovation in India
The India Business of Zydus comprises two main divisions: Zydus Healthcare Ltd. and Zydus Biologics.
Zydus Healthcare Ltd., based in Mumbai, is a key player in the Indian formulations market. With a rich history and a strong foothold, Zydus has continually expanded its portfolio.
It has gained recognition for its NCE therapy, Lipaglyn, for diabetic dyslipidemia.
On the other hand, Zydus Biologics, a specialised division of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd..
It focuses on manufacturing and commercialising small-molecule drugs, biological drugs, and vaccines. Its areas of expertise span oncology, hepatology, nephrology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, and bone health.
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd Products
Zydus Lifesciences offers a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulations, wellness and animal health products. Their product brands include Aten, Falcigo, Nucoxia, Levoday, Metscore, and Arzep, among others.
Zydus Lifesciences Owner/Founder
Ramanbhai Patel
Zydus Lifesciences Dividend History
Here are the dividend announcements for Zydus Lifesciences:
- May 17, 2024: Rs. 3.0000 per share (300%) – Final Dividend
- May 18, 2023: Rs. 6.0000 per share (600%) – Final Dividend
- May 20, 2022: Rs. 2.5000 per share (250%) – Final Dividend
- May 27, 2021: Rs. 3.5000 per share (350%) – Final Dividend
Zydus Lifesciences Bonus History
The last bonus issued by Zydus Lifesciences was in 2010 in the ratio of 1:2. The share has been quoting ex-bonus from April 5, 2010.
Shares traded ex-bonus from April 5, 2010.
Know the difference between ex-date vs record date!
Another bonus was in 2006, with a ratio of 1:1, and shares traded ex-bonus from August 30, 2006.
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd Turnover
For the financial year ending March 2024, Zydus Lifesciences reported a net turnover of over Rs. 19,500 crores in FY-24.
FAQs| Zydus Lifesciences Ltd
The Patel family owns Zydus, with Pankaj R. Patel serving as the chairman. The company was founded by his late father in 1952.
Zydus is known for its pharmaceutical products like Aten, Ocid, Falcigo, Nucloxia, Linid, and Oxalgin.
Zydus Lifestyle Ltd. was formerly known as Cadila Healthcare Limited.
Source– zyduslife.com, livemint.com, moneycontrol.com
______________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.