Dhanuka Group acquired Orchid Pharma in 2020. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Orchid Pharma was founded in 1992 by K Raghavendra Rao, initially focusing on the export of antibiotics. The company expanded its exports to over 75 countries within a decade. Orchid later shifted its focus from manufacturing to drug discovery, specifically targeting antibiotic-resistant infections. Its team in Chennai developed Enmetazobactam, a new beta-lactamase inhibitor for multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Orchid Pharma faced insolvency in 2017. Following its acquisition by Dhanuka Group, the company became profitable and debt-free. In 2024, Enmetazobactam received approval from both the Indian and US FDA. Orchid subsequently bought back 100% global rights in 2025.