Sun Pharma Rises 2.7% On US Launch Of Leqselvi For Severe Alopecia Areata

Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd gained 2.7 percent on July 15, 2025, following the successful US launch of its anti-baldness drug Leqselvi (deuruxolitinib). The drug, approved by the USFDA in July 2024, targets severe alopecia areata—a chronic autoimmune condition causing unpredictable hair loss.

Key Highlights From The Launch

- Leqselvi is an oral JAK inhibitor developed for adults with at least 50 percent scalp hair loss  
- Approval was based on Phase 3 trials involving 1,220 patients across multiple US centers  
- The drug offers a new treatment option for patients with limited alternatives, enhancing Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio  
- Leqselvi is part of a USD 100 million commercialisation push that includes Unloxcyt for skin cancer treatment  
- The launch is expected to boost Sun Pharma’s North America revenue and strengthen its dermatology franchise  

Market Reaction And Strategic Context

- Sun Pharma’s stock rose to Rs 1,672.00, outperforming broader pharma indices amid subdued market sentiment  
- Analysts cite the launch as a key driver for FY26 specialty sales, which rose 17.1 percent in FY25 to USD 1.2 billion  
- The company’s US generics and specialty business now contributes over 50 percent of total revenue  
- Leqselvi’s entry positions Sun Pharma against existing treatments like Olumiant, expanding patient access and competitive pricing  

Sources: Economic Times, Business Upturn, NDTV Profit, Simply Wall St, Reuters.