Two top-50 Indian firms are speculated to be on the block with valuations expected to be richer than past multiples paid by buyers. A small, less known life sciences solutions provider is also keen to rope in a CDMO partner. Scrip speaks to a cross-section of experts on the action in deal street.

In an interview with JB CEO Nikhil Chopra, Scrip discusses talk of a stake sale by private equity fund KKR, gains from acquisitions including select Novartis brands, plans to ascend to the top five in cardiology and a ramp up of the CDMO business, which has clients including J&J.

Cipla is stepping into the oligonucleotides space, where it also hopes to help shape the regulatory environment. Action is also anticipated in ‘big, identified areas’ such as obesity that may see potential partnering opportunities with Eli Lilly, with which the Indian firm has an existing alliance for diabetes therapies.

Dr Reddy’s shapes journey to the top 5 league on home turf, backed by a string of deals with big pharma to bridge portfolio gaps and supplement its base business. Can they deliver impactful gains in the competitive Indian market?