Rising awareness and ageing population are reshaping CNS demand in 2026: Sheetal Sapale

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The Neuro / CNS therapy segment continued to be one of the strongest performers in the Indian pharmaceutical market in December 2025, reinforcing its position as a high-potential, long-term growth engine. The segment clocked Rs 16,139 crore in value, registering a 9 per cent value growth, driven by steady volume expansion (2 per cent Vol growth) and healthy price growth (6 per cent Price growth). Overall, CNS therapies contributed 11 per cent to market growth, underlining their rising relevance in chronic care.

Within the segment, Anti-Epileptics emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for 29 per cent of CNS value at Rs 4,693 crore, with a robust 12 per cent value growth, supported by both volume (6 per cent) and price (5 per cent) expansion. Anti-Depressants and Mood Disorder therapies followed, contributing 16 per cent to CNS value at Rs 2,663 crore, growing at 7 per cent, reflecting increased diagnosis and long-term treatment adherence. Drugs for Neuropathic Pain formed 15 per cent of the segment, reaching Rs 2,414 crore, with 8 per cent value growth, despite marginal volume softness.

High-growth specialty pockets stood out, with Atypical Antipsychotics growing 12 per cent to Rs 1,089 crore, and Anti-Parkinson Drugs expanding at 13 per cent, highlighting the impact of an aging population. Anti-Vertigo products posted a 9 per cent growth at Rs 955 crore, while Anti-Alzheimer therapies reached Rs 435 crore, growing at 8 per cent, reflecting early momentum in neurodegenerative care. New-age launches such as Etifoxine, Dextromethorphan + Bupropion, Pimavanserin, Lumateperone, Lasmiditan, and Melatonin + Lactium further strengthened innovation-led growth over the last two years.

Commenting on the outlook, Sheetal Sapale, Vice President – Commercial at Pharmarack Technologies, noted that CNS remains one of the most under-penetrated chronic therapy areas in India. “Rising mental health awareness, increased willingness to seek treatment, longer therapy adherence, and structural shifts such as nuclear families and lifestyle stress are reshaping demand. With India’s aging population accelerating diagnoses of depression, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, 2026 is expected to see sustained double-digit momentum in select CNS sub-segments, driven by innovation, better access, and evolving patient behaviour.”