Learn how Shilpa Medicare grew from a single-site API manufacturer in Raichur to an integrated pharmaceutical partner for global markets.
Founded in 1987 in Raichur, Karnataka, Shilpa Medicare began with a simple belief: quality medicines should be accessible and affordable. What started as a focused API manufacturing unit has evolved into one of India’s most respected pharmaceutical companies with capabilities across APIs, formulations, oncology products and biologics.innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving human health.
Established with the core belief that quality healthcare should be accessible to all, Shilpa Medicare began its journey with a focus on developing affordable yet high-quality pharmaceutical solutions for the Indian market and beyond.
From day one, our mission has been to develop, manufacture and deliver pharmaceutical products that improve patients’ lives while meeting the highest standards of quality, safety and efficacy. This mission continues to guide every decision as we expand into new technologies, therapies and markets.
Over the decades, Shilpa has steadily built a differentiated portfolio with strengths in complex generics, oncology, biologics and novel drug delivery systems. Our R&D and manufacturing investments are focused on high-impact, difficult-to-make products where we can add meaningful value for patients and partners.
Leadership in affordable generics and specialty APIs, backed by strong process chemistry and regulatory expertise.
Growing presence in biosimilars, biologics and advanced delivery platforms.
Four world-class R&D centers across India driving innovation in APIs, formulations, biologics and NDDS.
Shilpa Medicare was incorporated in Raichur, Karnataka in November 1987 as Shilpa Antibiotics Limited and began commercial production of trimethoprim in November 1989. Over nearly four decades it has moved from antibacterial intermediates to oncology Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, then to complex finished dosage forms, and most recently into biosimilars, antibody-drug conjugates and recombinant proteins.
The pattern in that history is consistent: Shilpa Medicare has repeatedly chosen the harder molecule — each step further from commodity manufacturing and closer to genuine scientific differentiation.
Incorporated at Raichur, Karnataka as Shilpa Antibiotics Limited.
First commercial production — trimethoprim.
Converted to a public limited company.
Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE: 530549).
First patent application filed.
Managing Director receives the Government of India Best Entrepreneur Award; Star Export House status granted.
Listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE: SHILPAMED); first oncology API Drug Master File filed (anastrozole).
100% Export Oriented Unit commissioned at Raichur API Unit II.
Controlling interest acquired in Shilpa Therapeutics; Raichem Life Sciences merged; US operations initiated.
National Energy Conservation Award, First Prize (Drugs & Pharmaceuticals), from the President of India.
Jadcherla finished dosage facility becomes operational.
Strategic pivot into Finished Dosage Forms; nanotechnology R&D centre established at Bengaluru; historical US FDA approvals for the Raichur API units and Jadcherla (current facility-by-facility regulatory status is set out on the Quality & Regulatory page).
First EU marketing authorisation; first US ANDA; EU centralised approval for imatinib.
Biologics platform established.
FTF Pharma acquired; zero-observation US FDA inspections at API Units I and II.
Transdermal patch and oral thin film facility commissioned at Dabaspet, Bengaluru.
₹500 crore qualified institutional placement completed; balance sheet deleveraged.
EU-GMP certification for Shilpa Biologicals, Dharwad (zero observations); world-first CDSCO approval for NorUDCA in NAFLD; EMA approval for rivaroxaban orodispersible films; Orion Corporation partnership for recombinant human albumin in Europe; EcoVadis Gold Medal; 1:1 bonus issue.
EMA approval for rotigotine transdermal patch; first US ANDA filed for a transdermal product; integrated ADC drug-substance GMP facility commissioned at Dharwad; Orion partnership extended to a nivolumab biosimilar for Europe; SteinCares biosimilar licensing for Latin America; Gate2Brain stake acquired; credit rating upgraded to AA−.
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing rapid transformation — driven by innovation, stricter regulatory frameworks and the growing need for affordability. At Shilpa, we see this as an opportunity to build sustainable value for patients, partners and shareholders.
Our strategy is to focus on difficult-to-make, high-value products, invest in world-class R&D and manufacturing, and strengthen our presence across APIs, formulations, oncology and biologics. We are committed to quality without compromise and affordability without shortcuts.
We are grateful to our employees, customers, partners and investors who have supported this journey. Together, we will continue to bring innovative, accessible healthcare solutions to patients across the world.
— Mr. Vishnukant Bhutada
Managing Director, Shilpa Medicare Limited
Across India, PCT and international markets including US, EU, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Specialized R&D sites in Raichur, Bangalore, Hubli and Ahmedabad.
Oncology, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, hematology and other complex conditions
cGMP manufacturing and robust quality systems across all facilities.
Innovation is part of Shilpa’s DNA. Every product we develop and every partnership we build is guided by our commitment to improving human health and making high-quality medicines more accessible.
Every product we develop, every patent we file, and every research initiative we undertake is driven by our commitment to improving human health and making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
