Cardiac drugs log highest sales in 2025 as NCD cases surge

New Delhi: Medicines for heart ailments had the highest sales in 2025 and the trend is expected to continue this year, according to the data by market research firm PharmaTrac. Sales of respiratory drugs were the second highest, followed by anti-diabetes drugs.

The cardiac segment showed a robust growth of 13% followed by a 10% growth in the respiratory segment while the anti-diabetic segment and neurology/CNS therapies clocked a growth of 9.4%.

"Cardiac was the strongest therapy performer last year. The recent acceleration has been seen due to India's rising NCD burden especially hypertension, dyslipidemia and heart failure)," said Sheetal Sapale, VP, Commercial, PharmaTrac. Sapale said earlier diagnosis, younger susceptible age group and longer treatment duration could be the reasons for the solid performance. She said all the segments within the cardiac category have strong growth- be it lipid lowering drugs, anti hypertensives or heart failure therapies.

The cardiac segment posted a 11% five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching ₹33,115 crore in value in December 2025. The segment is expected to see a steady growth of 12-13% this year, showed the data.

The respiratory segment saw a 10% growth last year with 8% 5 year CAGR. Sapale said chronic respiratory burden is rising due to air pollution and urban lifestyle. "Infrastructure development, focus on increased production and rapid urbanisation has fuelled the pollution problems. The 2025 data shows that inhaled corticosteroids, LABA/LAMA combos (Long-Acting Beta-Agonist + Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist), are gaining traction.

"Seasonal infections add volatility, but baseline demand remains strong," she said.

According to the data nasal preparations, anti-asthma, cold and cough market saw a robust growth between 5-12%. The pain and analgesic segment on the other hand saw a slowdown. Sapale said that it could be due to OTC dominance in NSAIDS. "High growth was earlier seen due to post-Covid mobility and surgeries. This has normalised," she said.

Due to rising mental health awareness coupled with willingness to onboard for treatment and have long term adherence, the neuro/CNS therapies saw a growth of 9%.

The growth in 2026 is expected to be driven by cardiac (12-13%), anti-diabetic (10-11%), neurology (9-10%) and respiratory (8-9%) therapy segments, the analysis shows.