Cipla (Cipla Medpro) in South Africa
Cipla Medpro South Africa: Recent Developments and Strategic Moves
Cape Town, South Africa – July 19, 2025
Acquisition of Actor Pharma
In September 2023, Cipla Medpro South Africa, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cipla Limited, announced the acquisition of 100% of Actor Pharma (Pty) Limited. This strategic move aims to bolster Cipla’s over-the-counter (OTC) product portfolio and strengthen its position in the South African healthcare market. Actor Pharma, established in 2009, has rapidly ascended to become the fifth-largest privately owned OTC player in the South African private market. The company specializes in OTC and generic medicines, with established consumer brands in women’s health, nasal, cough & cold, and baby & child categories. In the fiscal year 2023, Actor Pharma reported a revenue of R234 million, reflecting strong double-digit growth. (cipla.co.za)
Investment to Enhance Capital Structure
In February 2025, Cipla Limited announced an investment of approximately ZAR 900 million (around ₹415 crore) into Cipla Medpro South Africa. The funds are intended to reduce inter-group debt and improve the capital structure of Cipla Medpro and its subsidiaries. This investment underscores Cipla’s commitment to strengthening its South African operations and ensuring sustainable growth in the region. (ndtvprofit.com)
Trademark Dispute with Adcock Ingram
In April 2025, the Western Cape High Court ruled against Cipla Medpro in a trademark dispute with Adcock Ingram Limited. The court found that Cipla Medpro’s use of the trade name “Furizome” infringed upon Adcock Ingram’s “Urizone” trademark. The court determined that the two trademarks were visually, aurally, and conceptually similar, leading to potential consumer confusion. Consequently, Cipla Medpro was legally restrained from using the “Furizome” trademark. (iol.co.za)
Partnership with Brandmed
In March 2021, Cipla Medpro South Africa acquired a 30% stake in Brandmed (Pty) Limited, a connected healthcare company. Brandmed specializes in integrated solutions for chronic lifestyle and non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. This partnership aligns with Cipla’s vision of transitioning healthcare from a reactive to a proactive model, focusing on wellness promotion and disease management. (cipla.co.za)
Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
Cipla Medpro South Africa continues to prioritize affordable access to essential medicines. In March 2022, the company partnered with global biotechnology firm mAbxience to introduce oncology and respiratory-related biosimilars to the South African market. This initiative aims to provide cost-effective treatment options for patients, addressing the high-cost burden often associated with such therapies. (cipla.co.za)
Conclusion
Cipla Medpro South Africa remains a pivotal player in the country’s pharmaceutical sector, continually evolving through strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships. The company’s focus on expanding its OTC portfolio, enhancing capital structure, and ensuring affordable healthcare underscores its commitment to improving patient outcomes and maintaining a strong market presence.
For more information, visit Cipla Medpro South Africa’s official website.
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