What Are the Nintedanib Brands Available in India?

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Nintedanib for a lung condition, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: which brand should you buy? Nintedanib is sold in India both as the original branded drug and through several generic manufacturers, and the differences between them can affect price, availability and even your comfort level with the treatment. This guide walks through what Nintedanib is used for, the brands currently available in India, and what to keep in mind before choosing one.

What Is Nintedanib?

Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a type of targeted therapy that works by blocking specific proteins involved in the abnormal growth of fibrous (scar) tissue in the lungs and the spread of certain cancer cells. It was originally developed and marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim under the brand name Ofev, and has since become available in India through several generic manufacturers once the molecule's patent protections opened up to local production.

Because it targets the underlying biological process rather than just managing symptoms, Nintedanib is considered a disease-modifying therapy for progressive fibrotic lung conditions, and it has become a standard part of treatment protocols recommended by pulmonologists and oncologists across India.

What Is Nintedanib Used For?

In India, Nintedanib is primarily prescribed for:

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) — a chronic condition that causes progressive scarring of lung tissue
• Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease (PF-ILD) — a group of lung diseases that behave similarly to IPF
• Systemic Sclerosis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD) — lung scarring linked to the autoimmune condition scleroderma
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) — used in combination with chemotherapy for certain advanced cases

The exact indication, dose and duration are always decided by a treating doctor based on diagnostic tests, lung function scans and overall health.

Nintedanib Brands Available in India

Ofev, the original brand from Boehringer Ingelheim, remains widely prescribed, but several Indian pharmaceutical companies now manufacture Nintedanib under their own brand names at a fraction of the cost. Availability and strength (100 mg and 150 mg capsules) can vary by pharmacy and region, so it's worth checking with a local chemist or specialty pharmacy before assuming a particular brand is in stock. Biophar Lifesciences markets its own 150 mg soft gelatin capsule under the brand name Ninteref 150, offering the same active molecule along with pharma franchise and third-party manufacturing support for partners across India.

All of these contain the same active ingredient, Nintedanib (or its esylate salt form), and are approved for sale in India. Cipla has also received approval to market Nintedanib capsules internationally as a generic equivalent of Ofev, reflecting how widely the molecule is now manufactured.

How to Choose Between Brands

Since all approved Nintedanib brands carry the same active molecule, the choice often comes down to a few practical factors:

• Doctor's prescription: Many doctors specify a particular brand based on their clinical experience; always confirm with your physician before switching.
• Price: Generic brands are typically priced well below the originator brand, which matters for a long-term therapy.
• Availability: Not every pharmacy stocks every brand, especially in smaller cities, so it helps to check ahead or order through a verified online pharmacy.
• Manufacturer reputation: Established generic manufacturers with consistent quality track records are generally preferred by prescribing doctors.

Switching between brands mid-treatment should only be done with your doctor's knowledge, since consistency in dosing and monitoring is important for fibrotic lung conditions.

How to Take Nintedanib and Possible Side Effects

Nintedanib capsules are usually taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart, with food, to help reduce stomach-related side effects. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and elevated liver enzymes, which is why doctors typically recommend periodic liver function tests during treatment. Less common but more serious risks include bleeding, blood clots and liver problems, so any unusual symptoms should be reported to a doctor promptly. Never start, stop or adjust the dose without medical guidance.

Final Thoughts

With both the originator brand and a growing number of trusted generics now available, patients in India have more options than ever when it comes to accessing Nintedanib therapy. The most important step is working closely with a pulmonologist or oncologist to choose the right brand, dose and monitoring plan for your specific condition.

At Biophar Lifesciences, we're committed to helping patients and healthcare providers navigate treatment options with clear, reliable information. Our own 150 mg offering, Ninteref 150, is available for pharma franchise and third-party manufacturing partnerships across India. If you have questions about Nintedanib, Ninteref 150, or other specialty medicines, reach out to our team for guidance.