Aurobindo Pharma shares traded higher on Thursday, October 1, after the company launched Adquey, its first novel drug in the US market. Adquey, originally discovered by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and licensed to Aurobindo's arm Acrotech for US commercialisation, is a non-steroidal topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor used to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged two years and above.
The drug has patent protection until 2036. The US market for the product category was estimated at around $1.3 billion for the 12 months ended July 2026, according to IQVIA MAT. The launch also marks Acrotech's entry into the US dermatology market. The company has established a dedicated dermatology business unit with commercial capabilities across marketing, sales and field engagement to support Adquey and build its presence in the segment.
Ashish Anvekar, President of Acrotech Biopharma, called the launch an “important milestone” and said the company is building a dedicated dermatology platform that can support Adquey while creating capabilities to pursue additional opportunities in the segment.
Nuvama sees $300 million peak sales potentialBrokerage Nuvama said the launch provides greater visibility for Aurobindo's US business by opening up a new revenue stream. It estimates Adquey could achieve peak sales of around $300 million. Nuvama has calculated a net present value of ₹40 per share for Adquey and said the launch highlights Aurobindo's growing capabilities in higher-value products.
The brokerage noted that the company has been expanding its presence across Penicillin G , novel drugs, inhalers, controlled substances and small branded generics. It expects Aurobindo to further enter areas such as peptides, biosimilars, biologics and contract manufacturing in the future.
Nuvama has retained its "Buy" rating on Aurobindo Pharma with a target price of ₹1,840 and expects the company's expanding product capabilities to support a rerating in its valuation. At the previous close of ₹1,672, the target price implies an upside of about 10%.
Analyst view on Aurobindo PharmaAmong the 28 analysts who track Aurobindo Pharma, 18 have a "buy" rating and five each have a "hold" and "sell" rating on the drugmaker respectively. Shares of Aurobindo Pharma are off the day's high but holding on to gains of 0.6% at ₹1,681.8.
The stock is up 41% so far this year.