Wockhardt To Exit US Generics, Focus On New Antibiotic

Wockhardtplans to exit its US generics business, citing pricing pressure and limited presence. Chairperson Habil Khorakiwala said manufacturing in the US would be challenging and time-consuming.

The move comes amid tariff concerns after Donald Trump proposed fresh duties on pharma imports, triggering a 4.4% drop in the Nifty Pharma Index. Shares of Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin fell 6–10%.

Meanwhile, Wockhardt is betting on its new antibiotic Miqnaf (nafithromycin) to treat community-acquired pneumonia. The drug, backed by BIRAC and 14 years of R&D, has shown a 96.7% cure rate and is expected to launch by end-2025. The government may include it under Ayushman Bharat to improve access.