Curis Lifesciences Expands into Domestic Branded Pharma and International Markets Following Uninova Acquisition

AHMEDABAD — Curis Lifesciences Limited is entering a new phase of business growth, anchored by a 51% acquisition of Uninova Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. and targeted expansions across international and domestic markets.

The company's strategic roadmap focuses on three core pillars: scaling its merchant export business in Kenya, establishing a long-term pharmaceutical footprint in Nigeria, and expanding its domestic branded pharmaceutical presence through Uninova.

Strengthening Domestic Branded Portfolio via Uninova

The acquisition of a 51% stake in Uninova Lifesciences provides Curis with an established marketing platform, distribution network, and an existing portfolio of approximately 50 branded products. Uninova plans to introduce roughly 12 additional products in the near term, aiming to exceed 100 products by the end of the year.

As part of this portfolio scaling, Uninova has entered the injectable segment using a third-party manufacturing model. This allows the company to launch six products across four key molecules — Gentamicin, Dexamethasone, Ondansetron, and Paracetamol — under brand names including Novagent, Novagent Plus, Novadex, Novadex Forte, Ondanova, and Novapar Forte, without requiring immediate capital expenditure on manufacturing infrastructure.

Financially, Uninova reported a turnover of approximately INR 5.43 crore in the previous year and targets INR 7 crore for the current year. Own-brand product sales are projected to increase from roughly INR 0.75 crore to INR 3 crore.

International Expansion in Kenya and Nigeria

On the international front, Curis Lifesciences has completed product registration renewals in Kenya and secured approximately INR 3 crore through three purchase orders. These orders are expected to drive a 30% to 40% increase in Kenya-related merchant export sales compared to the previous year.

In Nigeria, the company has formed a joint venture named CUROSON PHARMACEUTICAL NIGERIA INC. with Euroson Pharmaceuticals to develop a branded pharmaceutical operation. Product dossiers for seven products have been accepted, with an estimated annual sales potential of INR 3 to 4 crore once licenses and purchase orders commence.

Mr. Dharmesh Patel, Chairman & Managing Director of Curis Lifesciences Limited, noted that the company is focused on building a diversified pharmaceutical platform with multiple growth engines in a capital-efficient manner.

The integration of Uninova for domestic growth alongside established operations in Kenya and Nigeria marks Curis's transition toward a balanced model featuring contract manufacturing, merchant exports, and long-term own-brand commercialization.

"Curis Lifesciences is executing a balanced growth strategy by combining domestic market penetration through Uninova with structured international expansion in Africa. Utilizing third-party manufacturing models for new segments like injectables allows the company to scale product portfolios efficiently while optimizing capital allocation. Diversifying revenue streams across contract manufacturing, merchant exports, and branded pharmaceuticals provides a stable foundation for long-term business sustainability and risk mitigation." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes