The S&P BSE Healthcare index opened the session marginally in the green at 43,254.35, up 0.02%, while the broader Sensex traded at 78,084.52, up 0.12%. The Nifty 50 was nearly unchanged at 24,191.35, down 0.02%.
Natco Pharma led all gainers
Natco Pharma was the clear outlier of the morning session, rising 3.81% on BSE to ₹1,129.10 and gaining 3.54% on NSE to ₹1,125.25 — a notably sharp move compared to the rest of the sector.
Alembic Pharmaceuticals came in second among gainers, advancing 2.02% on BSE to ₹764.00 and 2.14% on NSE to ₹764.30.
Strides Pharma Science climbed 1.27% on BSE to ₹1,006.55 and 0.84% on NSE to ₹1,002.20. Panacea Biotech rose 0.92% on BSE to ₹355.95, with NSE close behind at +0.95% to ₹356.00.
Other stocks trading in positive territory in early trade included Ajanta Pharma (+0.58% BSE, ₹2,844.50), Orchid Pharma (+0.52% BSE, ₹567.05), Wockhardt (+0.50% BSE, ₹1,365.85), Aarti Drugs (+0.72% BSE, ₹370.65), Mankind Pharma (+0.46% BSE, ₹2,114.45), and IPCA Labs (+0.20% BSE, ₹1,464.20).
Losses were modest across large-caps
Among the decliners, moves were relatively contained. Sudeep Pharma was the steepest loser on BSE at -0.54%, trading at ₹630.85, though it was actually up 0.34% on NSE at ₹633.25 — an unusual divergence between exchanges.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories fell 0.45% on BSE to ₹1,215.80 and 0.48% on NSE to ₹1,215.50. Sun Pharma slipped 0.43% on BSE to ₹1,685.90 and 0.45% on NSE to ₹1,685.40. Torrent Pharma also shed 0.43% on BSE to ₹4,138.50 and 0.47% on NSE to ₹4,136.50.
Lupin declined 0.30% on BSE to ₹2,319.45 and was down a sharper 0.70% on NSE to ₹2,310.60. Aurobindo Pharma dipped 0.26% on BSE to ₹1,382.55 and 0.36% on NSE to ₹1,381.50. Cipla was off 0.18% on BSE at ₹1,228.55 and 0.25% on NSE at ₹1,227.40.
Zydus Lifesciences eased 0.13% on BSE to ₹938.00 and 0.35% on NSE to ₹935.80. Glenmark Pharma was fractionally up on BSE at +0.06% to ₹2,250.90, but slipped 0.15% on NSE to ₹2,246.10.
Disclaimer: Prices reflect early morning trade data as of April 17, 2026. This is not investment advice. Verify prices before making any financial decisions.