ChrysCap-controlled Novartis India to buy Pfizer’s blood pressure brand Minipress

Novartis India acquired the Minipress and Minipres trademarks from Pfizer for Rs 1,250 crore. The brands are used for hypertension and BPH treatment, with Minipress XL generating Rs 228.6 crore in revenue. Pfizer will discontinue the product in India.

Novartis India will acquire Pfizer's Minipress and Minipres trademarks in India, along with related intellectual property, for ₹1,250 crore. The deal includes Minipress XL, a high blood pressure drug with ₹228.6 crore revenue in July 2026. Pfizer will discontinue Minipress XL sales in India, receiving a $13.9 million lump-sum payment. Novartis India shares rose 2.9%, while Pfizer's shares fell 0.8%.

Novartis India acquired the trademarks 'Minipress' and 'Minipres' along with related IP rights from Pfizer for ₹1,250.001 crore. The deal values the brand at approximately 5.5 times its trailing twelve-month revenue. Separately, Novartis' Phase III Lp(a)HORIZON trial for pelacarsen failed to meet its primary endpoint, showing no reduction in cardiovascular events despite lower Lp(a) levels.

Pfizer (PFE) stock has declined 19.19% over five years, resulting in a 6% dividend yield. The company paid $9.77 billion in dividends in 2025, with a thin cash cushion. CEO Albert Bourla assured dividend maintenance but ruled out near-term hikes. Q2 2026 adjusted EPS was $0.77, beating estimates, with full-year guidance of $2.80-$3.00.

The US FDA approved Pfizer and BioNTech’s XFG-adapted COVID-19 vaccine for adults 65+ and high-risk individuals 5-64. The approval is based on clinical, real-world, and manufacturing data. The vaccine targets the XFG variant and will be available in the US from autumn 2026.

The FDA approved new COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax-Sanofi for 2026-27, targeting current variants. Moderna received approval for two vaccines. Distribution will be limited to specific age groups and high-risk individuals, with availability expected in the fall.