Lupin Limited, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has announced the acquisition of three key anti-diabetes trademarks—GIBTULIO®, GIBTULIO MET®, and AJADUO®—from Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening Lupin’s diabetes portfolio in India. According to the terms of the agreement, the trademark rights for these brands will be transferred to Lupin by March of the upcoming year. Lupin has been co-marketing GIBTULIO® and GIBTULIO MET® since 2016 and AJADUO® since 2018 in India through existing agreements with Boehringer Ingelheim India.
These drugs—GIBTULIO® (empagliflozin), GIBTULIO MET® (empagliflozin + metformin), and AJADUO® (empagliflozin + linagliptin)—belong to the SGLT-2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor class. This class of oral anti-diabetic medications is designed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when used alongside diet and exercise. In addition to glycemic control, empagliflozin, the primary ingredient in these formulations, is also shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce both cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure in adults suffering from chronic kidney disease.
India, with an estimated 80 million people over the age of 18 affected by diabetes, faces a growing health challenge. Additionally, 25 million people in the country are pre-diabetic. A significant issue is the low awareness of diabetes, with over 50% of those with the condition unaware of their status. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director of Lupin, commented on the acquisition, stating, “Lupin has always been at the forefront of providing best-in-class quality healthcare solutions to patients. This acquisition is a key step in strengthening our diabetes portfolio and reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovative and cost-effective medications for patients across India.”
Rajeev Sibal, President of Lupin’s India Region Formulations, also highlighted the importance of the acquisition: “The increasing prevalence of diabetes and related lifestyle diseases calls for greater focus on diabetes treatment and management, as well as accessibility to medicines for patients. This acquisition enables us to deliver effective and affordable treatment options to millions across India.”
This acquisition allows Lupin to further solidify its position in the competitive diabetes care market. By gaining the rights to these well-established trademarks, Lupin can now expand its reach in providing treatment to millions of individuals living with diabetes in India, offering them access to high-quality, effective treatment options.
The SGLT-2 inhibitors in Lupin’s newly expanded portfolio have proven benefits not only in managing blood sugar but also in addressing associated complications such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney issues. These drugs offer significant potential to improve the lives of individuals living with type 2 diabetes, who often struggle with managing their condition and preventing complications.
With this strategic acquisition, Lupin is poised to enhance its presence in the Indian diabetes care market, which is expected to continue growing as the incidence of diabetes rises. The acquisition also strengthens the company’s overall portfolio of medications targeting chronic diseases, positioning Lupin as a key player in improving healthcare outcomes in India.
