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Pharma Sector Shining in the Midst of Coronavirus

Updated on January 27, 2026 , 635 views

Coronavirus has impacted the global Economy, due to which the domestic equity faced a huge decline. Most stocks have been hit low records. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty had their worst run since the 2nd week of March. On 18th March, Sensex ended at 28,896 points by falling 1709 points while Nifty failed below 8500 points.

pharma sector in coronavirus

Pharma, the safe haven for Investors

In the midst of the mayhem, the pharma sector looks less affected as it is profiting handsomely. Investors hunting for safe havens in the ongoing turmoil can consider Investing in the pharma sector as it is showing an improving trend in Earnings.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical sector has augmented as the new listing of hospitals and diagnostic companies have been added more to the basket. The government policies and rising Income levels are giving robust growth in this sector.

The pharmaceutical sector was valued at US$33 billion in 2017. In 2018, the Indian pharmaceutical exports stood at US$17.27 billion and reached US$19.14 billion in 2019. The pharmaceutical Industry is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 22.4% by 2020.

Indian companies received 304 Abbreviated New Drug Application from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017. The pharma sector will expand and will reach US$55 billion by 2025.

The pharmaceuticals exports bulk drugs, intermediates, drug formulations, biologicals, herbal products and so on. India’s biotechnology industry compromising bio-agriculture, bio-industry, bio-pharmaceuticals and so on is expected to grow at the moderate rate of around 30% a year and it is expected to reach US$ 100 billion in the coming years.

Factors for Investing in Pharma Sector

The pharma sector provides several opportunities for investments and trade due to the following factors:

  • India’s huge population is an excellent centre for clinical trials.
  • India has cost-effective sources for getting a hold for generic drugs, especially the drugs that are going off their patents in the coming years.
  • India has excellent laboratories with world-class facilities. The laboratories specialize in the development of cost-efficient drug Manufacturing technology.
  • The country is self-sufficient for the production of bulk drugs. Almost 70% of the requirements for the formulation of drugs is available in India.
  • The Indian pharmaceutical industry is attracting foreign investors, which is increasing the trade balance in the pharma sector
  • The country is a fast-growing biotech industry, it offers potential in the international Market. Also, it has made the pharma sector an attractive industry to make investments.

Best Pharma Sector Funds to Invest in India 2025

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)3 YR (%)5 YR (%)2024 (%)
SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund Growth ₹404.888
↑ 0.99
₹3,989-7.1-81.922.515.7-3.5
Nippon India Pharma Fund Growth ₹481.825
↓ -5.31
₹8,265-6.6-101.620.214.6-3.3
UTI Healthcare Fund Growth ₹268.642
↓ -0.95
₹1,102-8.4-10.20.822.614.6-3.1
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 28 Jan 26

Research Highlights & Commentary of 3 Funds showcased

CommentarySBI Healthcare Opportunities FundNippon India Pharma FundUTI Healthcare Fund
Point 1Lower mid AUM (₹3,989 Cr).Highest AUM (₹8,265 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,102 Cr).
Point 2Established history (21+ yrs).Established history (21+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
Point 3Top rated.Rating: 2★ (lower mid).Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.
Point 55Y return: 15.68% (upper mid).5Y return: 14.61% (lower mid).5Y return: 14.60% (bottom quartile).
Point 63Y return: 22.48% (lower mid).3Y return: 20.21% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 22.62% (upper mid).
Point 71Y return: 1.93% (upper mid).1Y return: 1.58% (lower mid).1Y return: 0.84% (bottom quartile).
Point 8Alpha: -2.26 (bottom quartile).Alpha: -1.59 (lower mid).Alpha: -0.86 (upper mid).
Point 9Sharpe: -0.58 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: -0.52 (lower mid).Sharpe: -0.48 (upper mid).
Point 10Information ratio: -0.22 (lower mid).Information ratio: -0.79 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: -0.16 (upper mid).

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹3,989 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 15.68% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 22.48% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: 1.93% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: -2.26 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: -0.58 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.22 (lower mid).

Nippon India Pharma Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹8,265 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.61% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 20.21% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 1.58% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: -1.59 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: -0.52 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.79 (bottom quartile).

UTI Healthcare Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,102 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
  • Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.60% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 22.62% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 0.84% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: -0.86 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: -0.48 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.16 (upper mid).

1. SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

(Erstwhile SBI Pharma Fund)

To provide the investors maximum growth opportunity through equity investments in stocks of growth oriented sectors of the economy.

Research Highlights for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹3,989 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 15.68% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 22.48% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: 1.93% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: -2.26 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: -0.58 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.22 (lower mid).

Below is the key information for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund
Growth
Launch Date 31 Dec 04
NAV (28 Jan 26) ₹404.888 ↑ 0.99   (0.24 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹3,989 on 31 Dec 25
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC SBI Funds Management Private Limited
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 1.97
Sharpe Ratio -0.58
Information Ratio -0.22
Alpha Ratio -2.26
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load 0-15 Days (0.5%),15 Days and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Dec 20₹10,000
31 Dec 21₹12,015
31 Dec 22₹11,292
31 Dec 23₹15,609
31 Dec 24₹22,199
31 Dec 25₹21,423

SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹447,579.
Net Profit of ₹147,579
Invest Now

Returns for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 28 Jan 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -4%
3 Month -7.1%
6 Month -8%
1 Year 1.9%
3 Year 22.5%
5 Year 15.7%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 14.8%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.5%
2023 42.2%
2022 38.2%
2021 -6%
2020 20.1%
2019 65.8%
2018 -0.5%
2017 -9.9%
2016 2.1%
2015 -14%
Fund Manager information for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund
NameSinceTenure
Tanmaya Desai1 Jun 1114.6 Yr.

Data below for SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund as on 31 Dec 25

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care89.74%
Basic Materials6.86%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash3.33%
Equity96.6%
Debt0.07%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Dec 17 | SUNPHARMA
12%₹464 Cr2,700,000
Divi's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 12 | DIVISLAB
7%₹281 Cr440,000
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd Ordinary Shares (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 21 | MAXHEALTH
5%₹209 Cr2,000,000
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 23 | 500257
4%₹177 Cr840,000
Laurus Labs Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 23 | 540222
4%₹155 Cr1,400,000
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 21 | TORNTPHARM
4%₹154 Cr400,000
Acutaas Chemicals Ltd (Basic Materials)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 24 | 543349
4%₹153 Cr900,000
Cipla Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 16 | 500087
4%₹151 Cr1,000,000
↓ -200,000
Lonza Group Ltd ADR (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Jan 24 | LZAGY
4%₹145 Cr240,000
↓ -30,000
Biocon Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 24 | BIOCON
3%₹126 Cr3,200,000

2. Nippon India Pharma Fund

The primary investment objective of the scheme is to seek to generate consistent returns by investing in equity and equity related or fixed income securities of Pharma and other associated companies.

Research Highlights for Nippon India Pharma Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹8,265 Cr).
  • Established history (21+ yrs).
  • Rating: 2★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.61% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 20.21% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 1.58% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: -1.59 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: -0.52 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.79 (bottom quartile).

Below is the key information for Nippon India Pharma Fund

Nippon India Pharma Fund
Growth
Launch Date 5 Jun 04
NAV (29 Jan 26) ₹481.825 ↓ -5.31   (-1.09 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹8,265 on 31 Dec 25
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd.
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 1.81
Sharpe Ratio -0.52
Information Ratio -0.79
Alpha Ratio -1.59
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 100
Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Dec 20₹10,000
31 Dec 21₹12,393
31 Dec 22₹11,166
31 Dec 23₹15,538
31 Dec 24₹20,826
31 Dec 25₹20,130

Nippon India Pharma Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹436,710.
Net Profit of ₹136,710
Invest Now

Returns for Nippon India Pharma Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 28 Jan 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -4.8%
3 Month -6.6%
6 Month -10%
1 Year 1.6%
3 Year 20.2%
5 Year 14.6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 19.6%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.3%
2023 34%
2022 39.2%
2021 -9.9%
2020 23.9%
2019 66.4%
2018 1.7%
2017 3.6%
2016 7.6%
2015 -10.6%
Fund Manager information for Nippon India Pharma Fund
NameSinceTenure
Sailesh Raj Bhan1 Apr 0520.77 Yr.
Kinjal Desai25 May 187.61 Yr.
Lokesh Maru5 Sep 250.32 Yr.
Divya Sharma5 Sep 250.32 Yr.

Data below for Nippon India Pharma Fund as on 31 Dec 25

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care97.37%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash2.63%
Equity97.37%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Oct 09 | SUNPHARMA
13%₹1,076 Cr6,256,349
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Aug 08 | 500257
7%₹608 Cr2,883,991
↓ -200,000
Divi's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 12 | DIVISLAB
7%₹544 Cr850,754
↓ -50,000
Cipla Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 May 08 | 500087
6%₹528 Cr3,495,054
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Jun 11 | DRREDDY
6%₹498 Cr3,916,074
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Sep 20 | APOLLOHOSP
6%₹457 Cr648,795
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Sep 21 | 543350
4%₹306 Cr2,886,684
Medplus Health Services Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 22 | 543427
4%₹293 Cr3,627,277
Ajanta Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Apr 22 | 532331
3%₹266 Cr959,323
Sai Life Sciences Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Dec 24 | SAILIFE
3%₹232 Cr2,555,745

3. UTI Healthcare Fund

(Erstwhile UTI Pharma & Healthcare Fund)

The Investment objective of the Scheme is capital appreciation through investments in equities and equity related instruments of the Pharma & Healthcare sectors.

Research Highlights for UTI Healthcare Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,102 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (26 yrs).
  • Rating: 1★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 14.60% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 22.62% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 0.84% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: -0.86 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: -0.48 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.16 (upper mid).

Below is the key information for UTI Healthcare Fund

UTI Healthcare Fund
Growth
Launch Date 28 Jun 99
NAV (29 Jan 26) ₹268.642 ↓ -0.95   (-0.35 %)
Net Assets (Cr) ₹1,102 on 31 Dec 25
Category Equity - Sectoral
AMC UTI Asset Management Company Ltd
Rating
Risk High
Expense Ratio 2.26
Sharpe Ratio -0.48
Information Ratio -0.16
Alpha Ratio -0.86
Min Investment 5,000
Min SIP Investment 500
Exit Load 0-1 Years (1%),1 Years and above(NIL)

Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.

DateValue
31 Dec 20₹10,000
31 Dec 21₹11,908
31 Dec 22₹10,441
31 Dec 23₹14,430
31 Dec 24₹20,614
31 Dec 25₹19,965

UTI Healthcare Fund SIP Returns

   
My Monthly Investment:
Investment Tenure:
Years
Expected Annual Returns:
%
Total investment amount is ₹300,000
expected amount after 5 Years is ₹436,710.
Net Profit of ₹136,710
Invest Now

Returns for UTI Healthcare Fund

Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 28 Jan 26

DurationReturns
1 Month -4.8%
3 Month -8.4%
6 Month -10.2%
1 Year 0.8%
3 Year 22.6%
5 Year 14.6%
10 Year
15 Year
Since launch 14.4%
Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
YearReturns
2024 -3.1%
2023 42.9%
2022 38.2%
2021 -12.3%
2020 19.1%
2019 67.4%
2018 1.2%
2017 -7.5%
2016 6.2%
2015 -9.7%
Fund Manager information for UTI Healthcare Fund
NameSinceTenure
Kamal Gada2 May 223.67 Yr.

Data below for UTI Healthcare Fund as on 31 Dec 25

Equity Sector Allocation
SectorValue
Health Care98.42%
Basic Materials0.98%
Asset Allocation
Asset ClassValue
Cash0.6%
Equity99.4%
Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
NameHoldingValueQuantity
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Oct 06 | SUNPHARMA
9%₹103 Cr600,000
Ajanta Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Jul 17 | 532331
7%₹79 Cr285,000
Lupin Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 28 Feb 25 | 500257
6%₹62 Cr294,991
↓ -24,579
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Mar 24 | 532296
4%₹45 Cr220,000
↓ -15,028
Gland Pharma Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Nov 20 | GLAND
4%₹40 Cr230,000
↑ 8,838
Procter & Gamble Health Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Dec 20 | PGHL
3%₹38 Cr66,803
↓ -211
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 28 Feb 18 | DRREDDY
3%₹38 Cr299,461
↓ -35,539
Cipla Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 Jan 03 | 500087
3%₹38 Cr250,000
Alkem Laboratories Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 31 May 21 | ALKEM
3%₹37 Cr68,000
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (Healthcare)
Equity, Since 30 Apr 21 | APOLLOHOSP
3%₹37 Cr53,000

Conclusion

Medical spending in India has projected to grow 9-12 per cent over the next five years. Further, the growth in domestic sales may increase because of coronavirus. To add more, in such a volatile phase, there are a few Mutual Funds that are performing well.

Speedy introduction of generic or new drugs into the market are in focus and it has expected to benefit the Indian Pharmaceutical companies.

Disclaimer:
All efforts have been made to ensure the information provided here is accurate. However, no guarantees are made regarding correctness of data. Please verify with scheme information document before making any investment.
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