Novartis India Ltd signed an agreement to acquire the ‘Minipress’ and ‘Minipres’ trademarks in India, along with certain related intellectual property rights, from Pfizer Inc and Pfizer Products Inc. The transaction is valued at ₹1,250 crore. The acquisition will strengthen Novartis India’s presence in the cardiovascular and hypertension treatment segment while adding an established brand to its existing pharmaceutical portfolio.
Minipress XL Used for Hypertension and BPH
Minipress XL, which contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient prazosin, is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. It is also used to manage urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). According to industry tracker IQVIA, Minipress XL generated ₹228.6 crore in revenue during the 12 months ended July 2026. The brand recorded a four-year growth rate of 6.3%, compared with 9% growth for the overall category during the same period, Novartis India said.
Acquisition Follows ChrysCapital’s Takeover
The latest deal comes shortly after private-equity firm ChrysCapital acquired a 70.68% stake in Novartis India Ltd, which was previously held by Swiss pharmaceutical major Novartis AG. Following the transaction, Novartis India has a new management team and is also expected to operate under a new name. Industry observers view the acquisition of the Minipress brands as part of a broader strategy to expand and strengthen the PE-owned company’s India business. Novartis India currently operates across several therapeutic segments, including pain management, calcium supplementation, gynaecology, neurosciences and transplant immunology. Its established brands include Voveran, Calcium Sandoz and Tegrital, among others.
Pfizer to Discontinue Minipress XL Sales
Pfizer India has announced that it will discontinue the marketing, distribution and sale of Minipress XL from September 7, 2026. The decision follows Pfizer Inc.’s move to discontinue the manufacture of Minipress XL. In connection with the decision, Pfizer India said it would receive a lump-sum payment of $13.9 million, or approximately ₹131.38 crore, from Pfizer Inc., USA. The transition is expected to pave the way for Novartis India to take control of the acquired trademarks and associated rights in the Indian market.
Novartis India Undergoing Business Transformation
The Minipress acquisition follows a broader restructuring of Novartis India. The listed Indian company was put up for sale after Novartis AG announced in 2024 that it was reviewing its stake in the business. In February 2026, the proposed transaction was valued at ₹1,446 crore. Following the change in ownership, the company is being rebuilt with a new management structure and a workforce of around 40 employees. At the same time, Novartis India continues to rely on its established network of contract manufacturers and business relationships as it develops its standalone operations. The company reported a turnover of ₹354 crore for the financial year ended March 2026.
Strategic Move to Strengthen India Operations
The acquisition of the Minipress and Minipres trademarks represents an important step in Novartis India’s efforts to expand its branded pharmaceutical portfolio. With an established hypertension brand, an existing customer base and significant annual revenue, the deal could provide the company with a stronger platform for growth in India’s chronic-care market. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as Novartis India transitions under its new ownership and management, further acquisitions and portfolio expansion could play a key role in shaping its next phase of growth.
