Novartis India expands cardiovascular footprint with US$132M acquisition of Pfizer’s Minipress
Novartis India’s board approved the transaction before the company signed an asset purchase agreement and trademark assignment deeds with Pfizer and Pfizer Products.
INDIA—Novartis India has agreed to acquire the Minipres and Minipress trademarks in India, along with certain associated intellectual property rights, from Pfizer and Pfizer Products for Rs12.5 billion (US$132 million).
The acquisition will add the established hypertension brand to Novartis India’s cardiovascular portfolio and expand the company’s presence in treatments for cardiovascular and urological conditions.
Novartis approves Pfizer brand acquisition
Novartis India’s board approved the transaction before the company signed an asset purchase agreement and trademark assignment deeds with Pfizer and Pfizer Products.
The deal covers the trademarks registered in India.
According to a stock exchange filing by Novartis India, the transaction will be signed and closed simultaneously.
Novartis India also said the transaction does not constitute a related party transaction.
It added that Pfizer has no connection with the company’s promoter, promoter group or group companies.
The acquisition comes as Pfizer prepares to withdraw Minipress XL from the Indian market.
In a separate filing, Pfizer said it will stop marketing, distributing, and selling Minipress XL from 7 September 2026 after Pfizer USA decided to discontinue manufacturing the product.
Minipress XL targets hypertension and BPH
Minipress XL contains prazosin and is used in India primarily to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure.
The medicine is also used to manage urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition caused by enlargement of the prostate gland.
As a result, the acquired brand has applications across both cardiovascular treatment and BPH management, giving Novartis access to an established product in two therapeutic areas.
Novartis India cited IQVIA data showing that Minipress XL generated revenue of Rs2.28 billion (US$24 million) in the 12 months to July 2026.
The brand recorded a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% over the previous four years.
This was lower than the 9% growth reported for the wider category during the same period.
Novartis expands through brand acquisitions
The Rs12.5 billion (US$132 million) transaction represents a significant investment by Novartis India as the company continues to expand its portfolio through selective acquisitions of established brands.
The deal also follows ownership changes at Novartis India. In December 2025, private equity firm ChrysCapital agreed to acquire a controlling stake in the company.
The acquisition of the Minipres and Minipress trademarks will transfer the brands and associated intellectual property rights in India to Novartis India, subject to the transaction’s completion.
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