Business

Sun Pharma Launches Anti-Baldness Drug LEQSELVI in the U.S. After Patent Settlement

The medication is now available to adults diagnosed with severe alopecia areata, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and body.

• By Newsdesk
• New Delhi
• Jul 14, 2025

Business

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drugmaker by revenue, has launched LEQSELVI (deuruxolitinib) 8 mg tablets in the United States, expanding its footprint in the high-growth dermatology segment. The medication is now available to adults diagnosed with severe alopecia areata, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and body.

The U.S. launch follows the resolution of a patent infringement case with Incyte Corp., which had previously delayed the drug’s market entry. With the legal hurdle cleared, Sun Pharma now aims to offer a much-needed treatment option to patients and healthcare providers grappling with the condition.

"This launch is a key milestone for our dermatology portfolio and underscores our commitment to addressing unmet medical needs," said Richard Ascroft, CEO of Sun Pharma North America. “LEQSELVI provides a new therapeutic avenue for patients with severe alopecia areata and supports our broader strategy of diversifying into high-value specialty treatments.”

Industry analysts view the development as a significant growth lever for Sun’s U.S. business, which has been under pressure from pricing challenges and rising competition. Shrikant Akolkar of Nuvama Institutional Equities estimates that LEQSELVI could generate $400 million in revenue by FY30, with a peak sales potential of $900 million.

“The drug has shown strong clinical efficacy, and with the legal overhang resolved, Sun Pharma is well-positioned to maximize its commercial opportunity in the U.S. market,” Akolkar noted.

The launch reinforces Sun Pharma's strategy to pivot toward complex generics and specialty therapies, particularly in dermatology, where it already has a robust presence. With LEQSELVI now in its U.S. portfolio, the company strengthens its offering in one of the world's most competitive pharmaceutical markets.