India’s pharma sector is buzzing today (29 June 2026) with strong stock gains

India’s pharma sector is buzzing today (29 June 2026) with strong stock gains led by $DRREDDY , $AJANTPHARM , and IPCA Labs, while Alkem Labs advanced its overseas acquisition. Strides Pharma also announced a ₹100 crore divestment, and new government-backed vaccine research for seniors is making headlines. 💊 Key Pharma Developments – 29 June 2026 📈 Stock Market & Sector Performance Pharma stocks rose up to 5%, outperforming other sectors. Top gainers: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ajanta Pharma IPCA Laboratories Indices: Nifty Pharma & Healthcare outperformed. Nifty IT was the biggest laggard. 🏥 Corporate Moves Alkem Labs’ subsidiary (Alkem Medtech) completed a supplementary agreement to acquire Occlutech Holding, securing 51–55% equity stake. This strengthens its global medtech footprint. Strides Pharma Science Ltd divested majority stake in Pivot Path for ₹100 crore to investors led by Ascent Capital and Vintage. 🧪 Policy & Healthcare Updates AIIMS-led study: India’s first evidence that a government-funded annual flu vaccine for seniors could reduce illness and deaths at affordable cost. This could pave the way for a national immunization program for the elderly. Health Ministry is proposing faster licensing timelines for medical device manufacturers, aiming to streamline approvals and boost innovation. Centre notified Drugs (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2026, tightening regulatory frameworks for drug approvals. 🌍 Global & Strategic Moves Zydus Lifesciences signed a JV with Sunshine Healthcare to expand operations. Merck KGaA announced a $11.3 billion acquisition of Bio-Techne, signaling consolidation in global life sciences.