Novartis India announced on Monday, September 7, that its board has approved the acquisition of the trademarks 'Minipress' and 'Minipres' registered in India, along with certain related intellectual property rights, from Pfizer Inc, USA, and Pfizer Products Inc, USA. According to reports from CNBC TV18 and Business Standard, the transaction involves a total aggregate consideration of ₹1,250 crore. Following the board's approval at its meeting held on September 7, Novartis India executed an asset purchase agreement and trademark assignment deeds with Pfizer Inc and Pfizer Products Inc for the transaction. The signing and closing of the transaction are scheduled to occur simultaneously.
According to IQVIA MAT July 2026 data cited by Novartis India, Minipress XL generated revenue of ₹228.6 crore in the 12 months ended July 2026 and recorded a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% over the past four years. The category, meanwhile, expanded at a CAGR of 9% during the same period. As reported by CNBC TV18 and Business Standard, Minipress XL, which contains prazosin, is primarily used in India for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure, and for managing urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The ₹1,250-crore consideration makes the Pfizer transaction a sizeable acquisition for Novartis India, equivalent to roughly 5.5 times Minipress XL's annual revenue based on the IQVIA July 2026 figure.
Separately, Pfizer announced on Monday that it will discontinue the marketing, distribution and sale of Minipress XL in India with effect from September 7, 2026. According to CNBC TV18 and Business Standard, the decision follows Pfizer Inc's decision to discontinue the manufacture of Minipress XL. In connection with the discontinuation, Pfizer Ltd will receive a lump-sum payment of $13.9 million, or approximately ₹131.38 crore, from Pfizer Inc USA. Pfizer shares were trading 0.8% lower at ₹4,572.70 apiece on the NSE at 11:45 am on Monday.
The acquisition comes as Novartis India expands its portfolio through targeted brand acquisitions. In December 2025, private equity firm ChrysCapital had agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Novartis India, marking a shift in ownership of the listed Indian entity. As reported by CNBC TV18 and Business Standard, the transaction is not a related-party transaction, and Pfizer Inc and Pfizer Products Inc are not related to Novartis India's promoter, promoter group or group companies. Last month, Dr Reddy's Laboratories terminated its distribution and promotion agreement with Novartis India for select brands in India following a change in the controlling shareholding of Novartis India.
