Lupin acquires diabetes trademarks from Boehringer Ingelheim to bolster treatment portfolio

Lupin Limited, a global pharmaceutical leader based in Mumbai, has announced the acquisition of three anti-diabetes trademarks—GIBTULIO, GIBTULIO MET, and AJADUO—from Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. The strategic acquisition, set to be finalised by March next year, is a pivotal step in Lupin’s effort to enhance its diabetes treatment portfolio in India. The trademarks represent medications that are part of the Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors class, offering significant benefits for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The acquisition comes against a backdrop of rising diabetes prevalence in India, where an estimated 80 million adults live with the condition, with an additional 25 million classified as pre-diabetic. Experts have noted the low awareness levels surrounding diabetes, with over 50% of individuals remaining undiagnosed, leading to severe health complications, including cardiovascular issues. Lupin’s move aims to bridge this gap by strengthening its innovative diabetes medication range.

GIBTULIO (empagliflozin), GIBTULIO MET (empagliflozin + metformin), and AJADUO (empagliflozin + linagliptin) are currently marketed in India under a co-marketing arrangement with Boehringer Ingelheim. These medications, known for improving glycemic control, also reduce risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney conditions. The acquisition will bring the trademark rights entirely under Lupin’s control, enhancing its ability to deliver affordable healthcare solutions across India.

Lupin’s Managing Director, Nilesh Gupta, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions. He stated that acquiring these trademarks reinforces Lupin’s dedication to addressing the increasing burden of diabetes and improving treatment access. Rajeev Sibal, President of India Region Formulations at Lupin, added that the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to combat lifestyle diseases with effective and accessible medications.

India’s diabetes epidemic presents a pressing challenge, and Lupin’s expanded diabetes treatment portfolio aims to address this public health issue. The focus on affordable healthcare solutions ensures that millions of Indians can benefit from these life-saving medications, particularly those in underserved regions.

The acquisition also strengthens Lupin’s broader market position, complementing its expertise across therapeutic areas such as respiratory, cardiovascular, anti-infective, and gastrointestinal diseases. As a trusted name in pharmaceuticals, Lupin’s strategic initiatives, including this latest acquisition, underline its mission to improve health outcomes on a global scale.

For a nation grappling with a diabetes crisis, this development is a timely intervention. By prioritising patient-centric and affordable care, Lupin reaffirms its leadership in the healthcare sector, positioning itself as a cornerstone of innovative diabetes medication.