Novartis India shares surge 13%, hit fresh 52-week high on entering ophthalmology therapy

Shares of Novartis India, the country's leading drugmaker, rose as much as 13%, its biggest single-day move in five months, to hit a fresh 52-week high of ₹1,856 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday, September 8. On the BSE, Novartis India shares advanced 12.86% to touch a 52-week high of ₹1,850.95.

Novartis India shares came under buying interest after the company informed exchanges that it has entered into an agreement with Novartis Healthcare Private Limited.

As part of the agreement Novartis India will promote and execute NHPL's retina portfolio comprising the products Accentrix (Ranibizumab) and Pagenax (Brolucizumab) for the territory of India.

The agreement is expected to support the company's entry into the ophthalmology therapy area and expand its commercial portfolio, Novartis India said in an exchange filing.

Novartis India will upfront pay ₹10 crore to NHPL.

Ina a separate development, Novartis India on Monday said that its board approved acquisition of trademarks ‘Minipress’ and ‘Minipres’ registered in India and certain related intellectual property rights from Pfizer Inc. USA and Pfizer Products Inc. USA for an aggregate consideration of ₹1,250 crore.

As per IQVIA MAT July 2026 data, Minipress XL recorded revenue of ₹228.6 crore and has been growing at a CAGR of 6.3% for past four years while the category has been growing at 9% CAGR for past four years.

Minipress XL (containing prazosin) is primarily indicated in India for treating hypertension (high blood pressure) and managing the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Novartis India said.

Earlier this year in February, Novartis AG sold 1,74,50,680 shares representing 70.68% stake in the company. Acquirer 1 that is WaveRise Investments acquired 56.45% equity at ₹860.64 per share, while two other acquirers that is ChrysCapital Trust I and Two Infinity Partners acquired 10.32% and 3.91% stake respectively at ₹701.25 per share.

Novartis India shares closed 11% higher at ₹1,820 outperforming the NIFTY50 index which closed 0.6% lower.