BDR Pharmaceuticals is in advanced discussions to acquire manufacturing assets worth $100 million in the United States as part of its strategic expansion into the lucrative U.S. pharmaceutical market. The Mumbai-based company, which currently generates approximately $200 million in revenue, is evaluating several potential manufacturing units and is currently in the due diligence phase.
"We expect to make a decision regarding the asset acquisition, which could involve an investment of around $100 million, in the next three to four months," said Dharmesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals.
Strategic U.S. Market Entry
The planned acquisition represents a significant step in BDR's international growth strategy, particularly targeting the competitive U.S. market. Shah explained that the acquisition would enable BDR to locally manufacture controlled substances and complex molecules in the United States.
"Despite the high operating costs, Indian companies are increasingly looking at setting up local units to avoid tariff uncertainties and tap into U.S. government programs like Medicaid and Medicare," Shah noted. This move is partially influenced by the U.S. government's preference for domestic manufacturers, a trend reinforced during recent administrations.
BDR aims to launch its first product in the U.S. market by the last quarter of 2026. In preparation, the company is scheduled for U.S. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) inspections at two of its Indian facilities in October and November this year.
Significant Capital Investments
The company has demonstrated substantial financial commitment to its expansion plans. Over the past three to four years, BDR has invested nearly ₹600 crore ($80 million) and plans to allocate an additional ₹700 crore ($93 million) over the next two to three years for both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Notably, BDR has funded its aggressive expansion entirely through internal accruals, maintaining a zero-borrowing policy. This financial discipline has positioned the company for sustainable growth as it prepares for an initial public offering (IPO) targeted for 2027.
Product Portfolio Expansion
In addition to manufacturing facility acquisitions, BDR is actively expanding its product portfolio through the purchase of abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) in a multi-million dollar deal. These ANDAs span various formulation types including solid dosage forms, injectables, and dermatology products across therapeutic areas such as cardiology, diabetology, pain management, and oncology.
"We plan to transfer at least ten of these acquired ANDAs to India by the end of the year and start production," Shah explained. The company intends to market these products under its own label in the U.S. after securing the necessary state licenses.
Global Expansion Beyond the U.S.
BDR's international growth strategy extends beyond North America. The company is establishing an oncology manufacturing unit in Algeria and is in negotiations to acquire an asset in Kazakhstan, also focused on oncology and complex injectables.
Currently, exports account for 50% of BDR Pharma's revenue, with the company targeting an increase to 70% within the next two years. Shah emphasized that the company's focus on complex, technology-driven products and backward integration will be key differentiators in competitive international markets.
Research and Development Focus
BDR is investing heavily in research and development, with R&D spending at approximately 12-14% of revenues—double the industry average. The company is establishing a new R&D center in Padra, Gujarat, focusing on active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis, including specialized areas such as oligonucleotides and peptides.
The R&D initiatives also include developing new drug delivery systems to reduce toxicity and enhance bioavailability, particularly for oncology medications. This technical focus has helped BDR build a reputation for complex injectables used in treating bacterial and fungal infections, pain management, and various cancers.
Business Model and Growth Trajectory
BDR operates a diversified business model, both marketing drugs under its own brands and licensing medicines to other major Indian pharmaceutical companies. The company has maintained an impressive annual growth rate of 25-27%, with accelerated growth projected for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as more regulatory approvals are secured.
In 2022, BDR received a significant vote of confidence when a consortium led by private equity firm Multiples invested ₹685 crore ($91 million) for a 9.3% stake in the company. This investment has further strengthened BDR's position as it pursues its ambitious global expansion strategy.
The company gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the first manufacturers to produce antiviral drugs such as remdesivir, favipiravir, and doxycycline, demonstrating its agility and technical capabilities in responding to urgent healthcare needs.
