What Zafa Pharmaceuticals does

Zafa Pharmaceuticals (legal name: ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Private) Limited) is a Pakistan-based, privately held generic pharmaceutical manufacturer founded in 1973 in Karachi. The company produces more than 400 branded generic medicines across 17+ dosage forms — tablets, capsules, injections, syrups, suspensions, creams, gels, ointments, solutions, nasal drops, nebulizer solutions, and powders — covering therapeutic categories including antibiotics, anti-malarials, cardiovascular, respiratory, anti-inflammatory/NSAIDs, dermatology, contraception, infertility, and nutritional supplements. The portfolio includes clinically validated products such as the Famila injectable contraceptive (approved in nearly 100 countries after NRIFC/FHI North Carolina testing), the Cordiclean chlorhexidine gel developed with WHO and UNICEF guidance to reduce neonatal sepsis, and ST-MOM (Misoprostol) offered as a no-profit, no-loss drug for postpartum hemorrhage. A heritage herbal product, Zadicose, carries a recipe unchanged since 1940.

Zafa operates a sales-led, prescription-driven go-to-market model: products reach patients primarily through healthcare professional recommendations and retail pharmacies across Pakistan, with extensions into Africa, the Middle East, and South America that position the firm as the 1st Pakistan-based multinational pharmaceutical company. Revenue is generated via one-time unit-priced sales of branded generics at materially lower prices than originator equivalents (e.g., Zafnol at Rs. 51.22 per 20-tablet pack versus branded Tenormin at Rs. 105 per 14-tablet pack). Brand-building activity is concentrated in healthcare professional channels — a blog and product/SEO presence on zafa.com.pk, Facebook and Twitter handles, and Platinum-sponsorship/partnership participation at the Health Asia International Exhibition & Conferences in Lahore (2019 onward). The company maintains two Karachi offices (head office in Federal B Industrial Area and a Clifton office) and a headcount/funding profile that is undisclosed in the source material.

Name

Zafa Pharmaceuticals

Legal name

ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Private) Limited

Website

https://zafa.com.pk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Zafa Pharmaceuticals is a privately held Pakistani generics manufacturer founded in 1973 that produces 400+ branded generic medicines across multiple therapeutic categories and dosage forms, sold via prescriptions through retail pharmacies in Pakistan and export markets across Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Generic Pharmaceuticals

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (42421)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834), Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122)

akta.pro primary industry

Endocrinology & Reproductive Health Pharmaceuticals (incl. Women’s Health) (HLAIAAAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

OTC Pain Relief & Fever (Analgesics, Anti-inflammatory, Topical Pain Relief) (CRADAMAC)

Keywords

• Generic pharmaceuticals
• Prescription medicines
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Affordable healthcare products
• Branded generics

Headquarters

HQ city

Karachi

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Pharmaceutical Product Sales: ZAFA generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of generic pharmaceutical products including tablets, capsules, injections, syrups, suspensions, creams, gels, solutions, drops, inhalers, ointments, and powders across therapeutic categories. Products are sold to retail pharmacies, healthcare providers, and directly to patients through prescription.
2. Branded Generic Medicines: ZAFA sells branded generic equivalents of originator medicines at significantly lower prices, competing with branded products like ICI's Tenormin through products like Zafnol (Atenolol), offering cost savings of up to 70% for patients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ZAFA manufactures and sells over 400 generic pharmaceutical products across therapeutic categories including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory/NSAIDs, cardiovascular, antimalarials, respiratory, contraceptives, dermatological, anti-viral, and nutritional supplements. Products are delivered in 17+ dosage forms — tablets, capsules, injections, syrups, suspensions, creams, gels, solutions, nasal drops, inhalers, ointments, and powders — sold primarily through retail pharmacies in Pakistan with exports to Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Key flagship lines include the Famila contraceptive range (approved in nearly 100 countries), ST-MOM postpartum hemorrhage drug (no-profit/no-loss), Cordiclean antiseptic gel (WHO/UNICEF partnership), and Gynofen fertility treatment.

Product overview

Zafa Pharmaceuticals is a Pakistan-based multinational pharmaceutical company established in 1973 with over 400 healthcare products. The company operates as a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer offering a diverse portfolio of prescription medicines across multiple therapeutic categories including antibiotics (ZOXICILLIN, CEPHGEN-1, CLOXAZAN, AMIKACIN, ZOFUROX, CEFORAL, ZAMPICILLIN, ZAMPILOX, CP ZAF), anti-infectives, respiratory medications (ZAFTOLIN, ASTHOTIFEN, XYNOSINE, TESMIC, ADICOS), cardiovascular drugs (ZAFNOL, BETA NIFEDIL, Diglyta, Diglyta Plus, Zaclazide), dermatological products (HYDROCORTISONE, CLOTRIM, CROTAN, Furatop, Zaclovir), antimalarials (AMDAQUIN, ARTEZA, Artesul, ARLUFA, ZAFQUIN), women's health (FAMILA contraceptive range, GYNOFEN, ST-MOM), vitamins and supplements (Zescap, Vadoral, ZINDIGI, Yes 2 Zinc, ZF C-1000, Folic Acid), gastrointestinal medications (FLORAMEX, Famtaza), and pediatric formulations. The product range includes tablets, capsules, injections, syrups, suspensions, creams, ointments, gels, solutions, nasal drops, and nebulizer solutions. The company follows a 'Medicines for All' philosophy focusing on affordable generic medications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ZORAT Tablets 10mg Loratadine 10mg tablet classified as an Anti-Histamine for allergy relief, sold to consumers via prescription at retail pharmacies.
• CAZAF Tablets (Calcium Supplement) Calcium supplement tablet indicated for indigestion, hypocalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
• MEFACID Tablets 250mg (Mefenamic Acid) Mefenamic Acid 250mg tablet classified as an Anti-Inflammatory/NSAID for pain and inflammation management.
• DICLOZAF Tablets 25mg (Diclofenac Sodium) Diclofenac Sodium 25mg tablet for anti-inflammatory and analgesic purposes.
• Ibuprofen Tablets 200mg / 400mg Ibuprofen B.P 200mg and 400mg tablets for pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment.
• DICLOKALIUM Tablets 50mg (Diclofenac Potassium) Diclofenac Potassium 50mg tablet for anti-inflammatory and analgesic purposes.
• NAPTROL Tablets 250mg (Naproxen) Naproxen B.P 250mg tablet for anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment.
• AMDAQUIN Tablets 150mg (Amodiaquine) Amodiaquine Base USP 150mg tablet for the treatment of malaria.
• FAMTAZA Tablets 40mg (Famotidine) Famotidine USP 40mg tablet, an H2 Receptor Blocker used for heartburn and acidity treatment.
• Vofloza Tablets 500mg (Levofloxacin) Levofloxacin 500mg tablet for antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections.
• Zaclazide Tablets 80mg (Gliclazide) Gliclazide 80mg tablet, an Oral Hypoglycemic for diabetes management (Type 2).
• Diglyta Tablets 15mg (Pioglitazone HCl) Pioglitazone HCl 15mg tablet, an Oral Hypoglycemic for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
• Diglyta Plus Tablets (Pioglitazone + Metformin) Combination tablet containing Pioglitazone HCl 15mg and Metformin HCl 500mg for Type 2 diabetes management.
• ZAFNOL Tablets 50mg (Atenolol) Atenolol BP 50mg tablet, a Beta Blocker for high blood pressure, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, and post-MI syndrome. Priced up to 70% lower than branded equivalents.
• FAMILA-28 Combined Oral Contraceptive Tablet Combined oral contraceptive tablet containing Levonorgestrel 0.15mg and Ethinyloestradiol 0.03mg; 1% chance of pregnancy per year with proper use.
• ZAFUROX Tablets (Cefuroxime Sodium 125mg / 250mg) Cefuroxime Sodium 125mg and 250mg tablets, cephalosporin antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Artesul Tablets for Children (Artesunate Combination) Combination antimalarial tablet containing Artesunate 50mg (small) and Sulfadoxine 500mg + Pyrimethamine 25mg (large) for pediatric malaria treatment.
• CP ZAF Tablets 250mg (Ciprofloxacin HCl)

Quantifiable outcome

• Cordiclean antiseptic gel reduces bacterial infection by 20% when applied to umbilical cord stump during first week of life
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• WHO (World Health Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZAFA collaborated with the World Health Organization in the development and promotion of Cordiclean antiseptic gel for umbilical cord care. WHO guidance informed the formulation and recommended usage protocol for the gel, which is designed to reduce bacterial infection in newborns by 20% and prevent life-threatening sepsis and cord infections in infants.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZAFA partnered with UNICEF in bringing Cordiclean antiseptic gel to mothers across Pakistan and underdeveloped countries. UNICEF's support helped position the product as a recommended solution for newborn umbilical cord care, contributing to the reduction of infant mortality rates through evidence-based antiseptic practices.
• NRIFC (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology), HEJ, KU, PakistancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZAFA's Famila injectable contraceptive was extensively tested by NRIFC (HEJ, KU, Pakistan) along with FHI North Carolina, USA. This regulatory testing and clinical validation contributed to Famila Injection being approved as a contraceptive in nearly 100 countries worldwide.
• FHI North Carolina, USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFHI North Carolina (Family Health International) collaborated with ZAFA in the clinical testing and validation of Famila injectable contraceptive. This partnership led to the product being extensively tested and approved as a contraceptive in nearly 100 countries.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Cipla: Indian generic pharma giant with deep Africa and emerging-market distribution, including anti-malarials, respiratory, women's health, and HIV products. Comparable to Zafa in therapeutic and geographic positioning but at materially larger scale.
• Abbott Laboratories Pakistan: Multinational pharma incumbent operating in Pakistan with a much wider portfolio spanning nutrition, devices, diagnostics, and branded pharmaceuticals. Comparable as a competitor in Pakistan retail pharmacies and institutional channels but not specialized in low-margin generics like Zafa.
• Bayer Pakistan: Multinational pharmaceutical subsidiary in Pakistan with a portfolio including women's health (contraceptives), cardiovascular, and consumer health. Comparable to Zafa in women's health and cardiovascular categories where both companies overlap.
• GSK Pakistan: Multinational pharma subsidiary in Pakistan offering branded vaccines, consumer health, and prescription medicines. Competes with Zafa in select therapeutic categories but operates from a much broader portfolio and global R&D base.

Direct peers

• AGP Limited: Karachi-based Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturer producing generics across multiple therapeutic categories. Direct competitor to Zafa in the domestic retail pharmacy channel and in regional export markets.
• Hilton Pharma: Pakistani pharmaceutical company offering generics across multiple therapeutic areas with strong domestic distribution. Competes with Zafa on similar SKUs in the retail pharmacy channel in Pakistan.
• Ferozsons Laboratories: Established Pakistani pharmaceutical company with branded generics and a hepatitis B vaccine partnership with GSK. Comparable to Zafa in Pakistan-domestic manufacturing scale and therapeutic breadth.
• The Searle Company: Major Pakistani pharma manufacturer with a comparable generic + branded-generic portfolio across cardiovascular, anti-infectives, women's health, and nutrition. Operates with similar geographic reach to Zafa and competes head-to-head in domestic retail pharmacy channels.
• Getz Pharma: Largest Pakistani pharmaceutical company by sales with a broad generic and branded-generic portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas including women's health, anti-infectives, and cardiovascular. Directly comparable to Zafa on product mix, Pakistan-centric manufacturing, and emerging-market export strategy.

Emerging players

• Emcure Pharmaceuticals: Indian generic pharmaceutical company with a portfolio spanning women's health, anti-infectives, and chronic disease — overlapping with Zafa's core franchises. Competes in similar emerging-market channels and tenders.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/zafa.pk
• Xx.com/ZafaPharmaLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zafa-pharmaceuticals

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zafa Pharmaceuticals